Thyroid cartilage

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thyroid cartilage
The cartilages of the larynx.
Latin Cartilago thyreoidea
Gray's subject #236 1073
Precursor 4th and 6th branchial arch
MeSH Thyroid+cartilage

The thyroid cartilage is the largest of the nine cartilages that make up the laryngeal skeleton, the cartilage structure in and around the trachea that contains the larynx.

It is composed of two plate-like laminae that fuse on the anterior side of the cartilage to form a peak, called the laryngeal prominence. This prominence is often referred to as the "pomus Adami"[1] or "Adam's apple". The laryngeal prominence is more prominent in adult male than female because of the difference in the size of the angle: 90° in male and 120° in female.

The lip of the thyroid cartilage just superior to the laryngeal prominence is called the superior thyroid notch, while the notch inferior to the thyroid angle is called the inferior thyroid notch.

Its posterior border is elongated both inferiorly and superiorly to form the superior horn of thyroid cartilage and inferior horn of thyroid cartilage.

Thyroid cartilage

Layers and articulations

The two laminae that make up the main lateral, surfaces of the thyroid cartilage extend obliquely to cover either side of the trachea. The oblique line marks the superior lateral borders of the thyroid gland.

The posterior edge of each lamina articulates with the cricoid cartilage inferiorly at a joint called the cricothyroid joint.

Movement of the cartilage at this joint produces a change in tension at the vocal folds, which in turn produces variation in voice.

The entire superior edge of the thyroid cartilage is attached to the hyoid bone by the thyrohyoid membrane.

Function

The thyroid cartilage forms the bulk of the anterior wall of the larynx, and serves to protect the vocal folds ("vocal cords"), which are located directly behind it.

Changing the angle of the thyroid cartilage relative to the cricoid cartilage changes the pitch.

It also serves as an attachment for several laryngeal muscles.

Additional images

  • Larynx

  • Tracheotomy neck profile

  • Muscles of the pharynx and cheek.

  • The cartilages of the larynx. Posterior view.

  • Ligaments of the larynx. Posterior view.

  • Sagittal section of the larynx and upper part of the trachea.

  • Coronal section of larynx and upper part of trachea.

  • The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind.

  • Side view of the larynx, showing muscular attachments.

  • Muscles of larynx. Side view. Right lamina of thyroid cartilage removed.

  • Muscles of the larynx, seen from above.

  • Front view of neck.

  • Cut through the larynx of a horse

  • Larynx

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage, lateral view

  • Thyroid cartilage, lateral view

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage Lamina

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Muscles, nerves and arteries of neck.Deep dissection. Anterior view.

See also

  • Cricoid
  • Laryngeal prominence
  • Larynx
  • Phonation
  • Thyroid cartilage reduction
  • Vocal fold

References

  1. ↑ Medical literature

External links

Cartilages
Ligaments/folds
Laryngeal cavity
Other

M: RES

anat (n, x, l, c)/phys/devp

noco (c, p)/cong/tumr, sysi/epon, injr

proc, drug (R1/2/3/5/6/7)

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.