Cuneiform cartilage

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

The cuneiform cartilages are small, paired structures located within the larynx, which is part of the respiratory system. These cartilages play a role in the function and structure of the larynx, contributing to the maintenance of the airway and the production of sound.

Anatomy

The cuneiform cartilages are situated in the aryepiglottic folds, which extend from the sides of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages. Each cuneiform cartilage is elongated and wedge-shaped, hence the name "cuneiform," which means "wedge-shaped" in Latin.

Location

The cuneiform cartilages are located above and anterior to the corniculate cartilages, which are also embedded in the aryepiglottic folds. They are positioned laterally to the arytenoid cartilages and are not directly attached to any other cartilage, but are instead embedded within the soft tissue of the aryepiglottic folds.

Structure

The cuneiform cartilages are composed of hyaline cartilage, which is a type of cartilage that provides support with some flexibility. This type of cartilage is also found in other parts of the body, such as the trachea and the nasal septum.

Function

The primary function of the cuneiform cartilages is to support the aryepiglottic folds and maintain the patency of the laryngeal inlet. By doing so, they help to keep the airway open during breathing and prevent the collapse of the aryepiglottic folds during inspiration.

Role in Phonation

While the cuneiform cartilages do not directly participate in the production of sound, they contribute to the overall structure and stability of the larynx, which is essential for phonation. The larynx houses the vocal cords, and its structural integrity is crucial for the modulation of pitch and volume during speech.

Development

The cuneiform cartilages develop from the pharyngeal arches, specifically the fourth and sixth arches, during embryonic development. These arches give rise to various structures within the head and neck, including other components of the larynx.

Clinical Significance

The cuneiform cartilages are not commonly associated with specific diseases or disorders. However, their role in maintaining the structure of the larynx means that any abnormalities or injuries affecting the aryepiglottic folds could potentially impact the function of the cuneiform cartilages.

Laryngomalacia

In conditions such as laryngomalacia, where there is a collapse of the supraglottic structures during inspiration, the cuneiform cartilages may be involved indirectly. Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants and is characterized by a floppy laryngeal structure, which can include the aryepiglottic folds.

See Also

• Larynx
• Arytenoid cartilages
• Corniculate cartilages
• Epiglottis

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