Arytenoid cartilage

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Arytenoid cartilage is a pair of small three-sided pyramidal pieces of cartilage found in the larynx, which are key structures in the production of voice. The arytenoid cartilages are located at the posterior, superior border of the cricoid cartilage, with which they articulate. They serve as important attachments for the vocal cords and various muscles that function to open, close, and tense the vocal cords, thus regulating the pitch and volume of the voice.

Structure

The arytenoid cartilages are characterized by their pyramid-like shape, each having a base, an apex, three surfaces, and three margins. The base of the arytenoid cartilage articulates with the cricoid cartilage, allowing for a wide range of movements that are crucial for voice modulation and breathing. The apex of each arytenoid cartilage is pointed and serves as the attachment point for the aryepiglottic muscle, which helps to close the laryngeal inlet.

Muscular Process

The muscular process projects laterally from the base and is a crucial point of attachment for muscles that adduct and abduct the vocal cords. These muscles include the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, which adducts the vocal cords, and the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, the only muscle that abducts the vocal cords.

Vocal Process

The vocal process projects anteriorly and slightly medially from the base and is the point of attachment for the vocal ligament, which forms the core of the vocal cord. This structure is essential for the production of sound, as the tension and position of the vocal cords are adjusted by the movement of the arytenoid cartilages.

Function

The primary function of the arytenoid cartilages is to anchor and manipulate the vocal cords. By rotating, sliding, and tilting, these cartilages change the position, tension, and length of the vocal cords, which in turn affects the pitch and volume of the voice. The arytenoid cartilages, along with the cricoid cartilage, form the cricoarytenoid joint, which allows for these movements.

Clinical Significance

Conditions affecting the arytenoid cartilages can lead to voice disorders or breathing difficulties. Laryngitis, inflammation of the larynx, can involve the arytenoid cartilages, leading to pain and hoarseness. In more severe cases, laryngeal cancer can involve the arytenoid cartilages, requiring comprehensive treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

See Also

• Larynx
• Vocal cords
• Cricoid cartilage
• Voice production