Joint
Cricothyroid joint
Allows the thyroid and cricoid cartilages to change angle
High-yield
Cricothyroid contraction changes the thyroid–cricoid relationship and increases vocal-fold tension. The paired joints permit both rotation and translation, rather than an identical hinge movement in every larynx.
Overview
On each side of the larynx, an inferior thyroid horn articulates with the cricoid. Movement at these joints changes the spacing between the thyroid angle and the arytenoids. Rotation lengthens the vocal folds, while the amount of accompanying glide depends partly on the shape of the joint surfaces.
Reference facts
- Joint type
- Paired synovial joints; the definition and shape of the articular facets vary.
- Articulating surfaces
- Medial surface of each inferior thyroid horn against the lateral cricoid articular region.
- Ligaments
- A fibrous capsule reinforced by ceratocricoid ligaments, particularly lateral and posterior bands; their arrangement varies.
- Movements
- Rotation around an approximately transverse axis with variable horizontal and vertical gliding.
- Blood supply
- Local thyroid-artery branches, including the cricothyroid branch, supply the joint region.
Clinical correlation
Differences in joint shape and mobility matter when interpreting or surgically altering vocal pitch. Joint stiffness and weakness of the cricothyroid muscle can each limit normal changes in vocal-fold length.
Frequently asked questions
What type of joint is the cricothyroid joint?
Paired synovial joints; the definition and shape of the articular facets vary.
What articulates at the cricothyroid joint?
Medial surface of each inferior thyroid horn against the lateral cricoid articular region.
What movements does the cricothyroid joint allow?
The cricothyroid joint allows rotation around an approximately transverse axis with variable horizontal and vertical gliding.
What ligaments support the cricothyroid joint?
A fibrous capsule reinforced by ceratocricoid ligaments, particularly lateral and posterior bands; their arrangement varies.