Cartilage
Thyroid cartilage
The largest supporting cartilage of the larynx
High-yield
Each inferior horn forms a synovial joint with the cricoid. Motion at these joints changes the relationship between the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoids, helping regulate vocal-fold length.
Overview
Two broad laminae unite at the front of the larynx to form the thyroid cartilage. Their junction creates the laryngeal prominence, whose size and angle vary. Internally, the anterior vocal-fold attachments lie near this junction. Superior and inferior horns project from each posterior border.
Reference facts
- Cartilage type
- An unpaired, predominantly hyaline cartilage that can calcify and ossify with age.
- Key landmarks
- Superior thyroid notch, laryngeal prominence, horns and oblique line. The latter provides attachment for sternothyroid, thyrohyoid and inferior constrictor fibers.
- Articulations
- Inferior horns articulate with the cricoid; superior horns connect toward the hyoid through lateral thyrohyoid ligaments.
- Ossification
- Ossification often becomes apparent in early adult life and progresses variably; age does not predict a uniform pattern in every person.
Clinical correlation
Blunt neck injury can fracture the cartilage or damage surrounding soft tissue. Hoarseness, subcutaneous air and breathing difficulty are possible, and airway swelling may develop after the initial injury.
Frequently asked questions
What type of cartilage is the thyroid cartilage?
An unpaired, predominantly hyaline cartilage that can calcify and ossify with age.
What does the thyroid cartilage articulate with?
Inferior horns articulate with the cricoid; superior horns connect toward the hyoid through lateral thyrohyoid ligaments.
What are the key landmarks of the thyroid cartilage?
Superior thyroid notch, laryngeal prominence, horns and oblique line. The latter provides attachment for sternothyroid, thyrohyoid and inferior constrictor fibers.
Does the thyroid cartilage ossify?
Ossification often becomes apparent in early adult life and progresses variably; age does not predict a uniform pattern in every person.