CorpusHuman Anatomy
RespiratoryCartilage

Arytenoid cartilages

Cartilagines arytenoideae

Also known as: arytenoids

Paired pyramidal cartilages seated on the cricoid lamina whose rotation and gliding open and close the vocal folds.

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Overview

Each arytenoid has an apex (carrying the corniculate cartilage and the aryepiglottic fold), a base articulating with the cricoid, a forward-projecting vocal process (attachment of the vocal ligament and vocalis) and a laterally projecting muscular process (attachment of the posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles).

At the synovial cricoarytenoid joints the arytenoids rotate around a vertical axis and glide medially/laterally. Pulling the muscular process backwards (posterior cricoarytenoid) swings the vocal processes apart — abduction; pulling it forwards (lateral cricoarytenoid) brings them together — adduction; the arytenoid muscles draw the two cartilages together to close the posterior (intercartilaginous) glottis.

Location

On the upper border of the cricoid lamina, at the back of the larynx.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Vocal process
    Anterior projection; posterior attachment of the vocal fold.
  2. Muscular process
    Lateral projection; lever for the cricoarytenoid muscles.
  3. Apex and corniculate cartilage
    Supports the aryepiglottic fold.

Anatomy

Articulations

Cricoarytenoid joints (synovial) with the cricoid lamina.

Histology

Mainly hyaline cartilage; the vocal process and apex are elastic cartilage.

Function

  • Determine vocal fold position (open for breathing, closed for phonation and airway protection).
  • Adjust vocal fold tension together with the thyroid cartilage.

Clinical significance

Arytenoid dislocation

Traumatic intubation can dislocate an arytenoid, causing persistent hoarseness that mimics recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy; laryngoscopy and imaging distinguish them.

Contact granuloma

Granulomas on the vocal processes follow intubation trauma, chronic throat clearing or laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Respiratory System sources. For education only; not medical advice.