Arytenoid cartilage
Cartilago arytenoidea
RespiratoryOrgansNeckLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- A small pyramid-shaped cartilage sitting on the upper border of the cricoid lamina, with a vocal process pointing forward and a muscular process pointing sideways.
- Function
- Rotates and glides to open (abduct) and close (adduct) the vocal folds for breathing, speaking and coughing.
- Size
- About 15–18 mm tall.
- Clinical note
- Only the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles open the glottis; injury to both recurrent laryngeal nerves can therefore obstruct breathing.