Corniculate cartilage

General Information
Latin	Cartilagines corniculatae
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Respiratory system
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor	Pharyngeal arches
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The corniculate cartilages are small, conical nodules of elastic cartilage that articulate with the summits of the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx. They are part of the framework of the larynx and play a role in the function of the vocal cords.

Anatomy

The corniculate cartilages are located in the posterior part of the larynx. Each corniculate cartilage is situated at the apex of an arytenoid cartilage, to which it is connected by a synovial joint. The corniculate cartilages are embedded in the posterior part of the aryepiglottic fold, which extends from the side of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilage.

Structure

The corniculate cartilages are composed of elastic cartilage, which provides flexibility and resilience. They are conical in shape and are covered by a mucous membrane. The corniculate cartilages are often considered to be part of the arytenoid cartilages, and together with the cuneiform cartilages, they form the posterior part of the laryngeal inlet.

Relations

The corniculate cartilages are located above the cricoid cartilage and behind the thyroid cartilage. They are positioned at the posterior aspect of the larynx, where they contribute to the structure of the laryngeal inlet. The corniculate cartilages are connected to the arytenoid cartilages, which are responsible for the movement of the vocal cords.

Function

The primary function of the corniculate cartilages is to support the aryepiglottic folds and to assist in the opening and closing of the glottis during phonation and respiration. They help maintain the patency of the laryngeal inlet and play a role in the modulation of sound produced by the vocal cords.

Role in Phonation

During phonation, the corniculate cartilages, along with the arytenoid cartilages, adjust the tension and position of the vocal cords. This adjustment is crucial for the production of different pitches and volumes of sound. The movement of the corniculate cartilages is controlled by the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, such as the arytenoid muscle and the cricothyroid muscle.

Role in Respiration

In respiration, the corniculate cartilages help to open the glottis, allowing air to pass through the larynx into the trachea. The movement of the corniculate cartilages is coordinated with the movement of the arytenoid cartilages to ensure that the airway remains open during inhalation and exhalation.

Development

The corniculate cartilages develop from the sixth pharyngeal arch during embryogenesis. They are derived from mesenchymal tissue that differentiates into elastic cartilage. The development of the corniculate cartilages is closely associated with the development of the other laryngeal cartilages, such as the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages.

Clinical Significance

The corniculate cartilages can be involved in various laryngeal disorders. Inflammation or trauma to the larynx can affect the function of the corniculate cartilages, leading to voice changes or breathing difficulties. Conditions such as laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, and laryngeal cancer can impact the corniculate cartilages and their associated structures.

Laryngitis

In laryngitis, inflammation of the larynx can lead to swelling of the corniculate cartilages, which may contribute to hoarseness or loss of voice. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and addressing the underlying cause of inflammation.

Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis can result from damage to the nerves controlling the laryngeal muscles, affecting the movement of the corniculate cartilages. This condition can lead to difficulties in speaking and breathing, and may require surgical intervention or voice therapy.

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer can involve the corniculate cartilages, particularly if the cancer spreads to the posterior part of the larynx. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

See Also

• Arytenoid cartilage
• Cuneiform cartilage
• Larynx
• Phonation

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