Thyroid Cartilage (Cartilago thyroidea)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx, composed of two quadrilateral laminae of hyaline cartilage that fuse in the anterior midline to form the laryngeal prominence (Adam apple). Suspended from the hyoid bone by the thyrohyoid membrane and articulating inferiorly with the cricoid cartilage via synovial joints, it shields the vocal folds and anchors essential phonatory musculature.
Clinical notes
Fractures of the thyroid cartilage from blunt anterior neck trauma (strangulation or steering wheel impact) cause rapid airway compromise, subcutaneous emphysema, and dysphonia requiring prompt airway control.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Thyroid Cartilage?
The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx, composed of two quadrilateral laminae of hyaline cartilage that fuse in the anterior midline to form the laryngeal prominence (Adam apple). Suspended from the hyoid bone by the thyrohyoid membrane and articulating inferiorly with the cricoid cartilage via synovial joints, it shields the vocal folds and anchors essential phonatory musculature.
Why is the Thyroid Cartilage clinically important?
Fractures of the thyroid cartilage from blunt anterior neck trauma (strangulation or steering wheel impact) cause rapid airway compromise, subcutaneous emphysema, and dysphonia requiring prompt airway control.
Source & license
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