Arytenoid cartilage

The arytenoid (/ærɪˈtiːnɔɪd/)[1] cartilages are a pair of small three-sided pyramids which form part of the larynx, to which the vocal folds (vocal cords) are attached. These allow and aid in the vocal cords' movement.

Arytenoid cartilage
The cartilages of the larynx seen from behind
Details
Precursor4th and 6th pharyngeal arch
Identifiers
LatinCartilagines arytenoideae
MeSHD001193
TAA06.2.04.001
FMA55109
Anatomical terminology

Each is pyramidal or ladle-shaped in form (arytenoid comes from Ancient Greek ἀρύταινα arytaina meaning "ladle" and εἶδος eidos, meaning "form"),[2] and has three surfaces, a base, and an apex.

Structure

Surfaces

The posterior surface is triangular, smooth, concave, and gives attachment to the arytenoid muscle and transversus.

The antero-lateral surface is somewhat convex and rough. On it, near the apex of the cartilage, is a rounded elevation (colliculus) from which a ridge (crista arcuata) curves at first backward and then downward and forward to the vocal process. The lower part of this crest intervenes between two depressions or foveæ, an upper, triangular, and a lower oblong in shape; the latter gives attachment to the vocalis muscle.

The medial surface is narrow, smooth, and flattened, covered by mucous membrane, and forms the lateral boundary of the intercartilaginous part of the rima glottidis.

Base and apex

The base of each cartilage is broad, and on it is a concave smooth surface, for articulation with the cricoid cartilage.

  • Its lateral angle is called the muscular process
  • Its anterior angle is called the vocal process

The apex of each cartilage is pointed, curved backward and medialward, and surmounted by a small conical, cartilaginous nodule, the corniculate cartilage.

Function

They allow the vocal folds to be tensed, relaxed, or approximated.

The arytenoids articulate with the supero-lateral parts of the cricoid cartilage lamina, forming the cricoarytenoid joints at which they can come together, move apart, tilt anteriorly or posteriorly, and rotate.

Additional images
  • Sagittal section of the larynx and upper part of the trachea.
  • The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind.
  • Muscles of the larynx, seen from above.
  • Arytenoid cartilage
  • Arytenoid cartilage
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References
  1. Murry, James A. H. (1888). A New English Dictionary on a Historical Basis. Oxford: Clarendon Press. p. 477.
  2. Farlex dictionary: arytenoid cartilage Citing: Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition.
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