The document describes the cartilages that make up the larynx. It details the location, shape, attachments and functions of the thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis, arytenoid, corniculate and cuneiform cartilages. The thyroid cartilage is the largest and forms an angle that is more acute in males, giving them a more prominent laryngeal prominence called the Adam's apple. The cricoid forms a ring below the thyroid. Together these cartilages provide structure and attachments for the muscles controlling the larynx.

2. It extends from the root of the
tongue→ trachea.
Location: in front of the 3rd to
6th cervical vertebrae.
higher in children and
females.

4. Paired Unpaired
Thyroid
Cricoid
Epiglottis
Arytenoid
Cuneiform
Corniculate

6. THYROID CARTILAGE
Hyaline cartilage
 Largest cartilage.

9. Consist of 2 quadrilateral
laminae, which are fused
anteriorly an angle called Thyroid
Angle.
The angle measures 90° (acute) in
males and 120° (obtuse) in females.

10. The thyroid angle is prominent in
males and it is responsible for
prominence on the front of the
neck called ADAM’S APPLE.
(laryngeal prominence)

12. The posterior border of each lamina
extends superiorly and inferiorly to
form the superior and inferior
horns (also known as cornu).
The superior horns are connected to
the hyoid bone via the lateral
thyrohyoid ligament, while the
inferior horns articulate with the
cricoid cartilage.

14. The posterior border of each lamina is
free and prolonged upwards and
downwards as superior and inferior
horns.
It provides conjoined insertion to 3
muscles:
1) Palatopharyngeus.
2) Salpingopharyngeus.
3) Stylopharyngeus.

16. Ant.
arch

17. CRICOID CARTILAGE
This is a signet-shaped ring of cartilage
with a narrow anterior arch and a broad
posterior lamina.
The cricoid cartilage is situated at the
level of C6 vertebra and entirely encircles
the lumen of the larynx.

18. EPIGLOTTIS
The epiglottis is a leaf shaped plate
of elastic cartilage which marks the
entrance to the larynx.
During swallowing, the epiglottis flattens
and moves posteriorly to close off the
larynx and prevent aspiration.

21. Epiglottis
Its broad upper end is free while the
lower end (stalk) is pointed and
joined to the posterior part of
thyroid angle by thyroepiglottic
ligament.

22. ARYTENOID CARTILAGES
Each arytenoid cartilage is pyramidal
cartilage.
Presents an apex, base, three
surfaces (posterior, anterolateral, and
medial), and
two processes—
muscular and vocal.

23. Apex – articulates with the corniculate
cartilage.
Base – articulates with the superior
border of the cricoid cartilage.

25. The base is prolonged anteriorly to
form the vocal process and laterally
to form the muscular process.
Vocal process – provides attachment
for the vocal ligament.
Muscular process – provides
attachment for the cricoarytenoid
muscle.

26. CORNICULATE CARTILAGE
The corniculate cartilages are
minor cartilaginous structures.
 They articulate with the apices of
the arytenoid cartilages.

29. CUNEIFORM CARTILAGES
The cuneiform cartilages are
located folds just above the
corniculate cartilages.
 They have no direct attachment,
but act to strengthen the folds.