Skeletal system · Head and neck
Thyroid cartilage !
The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx (voice box); its front edge is the Adam's apple, and it shields the vocal folds.
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
The largest larynx cartilage; its front edge is the Adam's apple.
What it does
Shields the vocal folds, which attach to its inner angle.
Key facts
- Where
- Largest laryngeal cartilage at C4–C5; laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple)
- Function
- Shields the larynx; the vocal folds attach to its inner angle
Relations
- Above
- Hyoid bone, joined by the thyrohyoid membrane
- Below
- Cricoid cartilage, by the cricothyroid membrane in front and the cricothyroid joints at the sides
- Superficial
- Infrahyoid (strap) muscles over the laminae; in the midline the prominence lies just under the skin
- Lateral
- Upper poles of the thyroid gland lobes and, further out, the carotid sheath
- Deep
- Paraglottic space with the vocal and vestibular folds; the petiole of the epiglottis attaches behind the angle
How to find it
The laryngeal prominence and the V-shaped thyroid notch are felt in the front midline of the neck; following the laminae back, the superior horns are felt below the greater horns of the hyoid bone. The whole cartilage rises on swallowing.
On imaging
It ossifies unevenly from early adulthood, so on radiographs and CT its outline can look patchy; asymmetric ossification can mimic tumour invasion of the cartilage or a swallowed foreign body.
Clinical notes
- Laryngeal fracture from a blow to the front of the neck (sport, dashboard): hoarseness, pain, air under the skin and possible stridor
- Medialisation thyroplasty places an implant through a window cut in the lamina to push a paralysed vocal fold to the midline
- Reduction of the prominence (chondrolaryngoplasty, e.g. in gender-affirming surgery) keeps clear of the anterior commissure attachment of the vocal folds
Anatomical variants
- A thyroid foramen in the upper part of one lamina, present in a minority, can let the superior laryngeal vessels enter the larynx through the cartilage instead of the thyrohyoid membrane
Development
From the cartilage of the fourth pharyngeal arch; the two laminae form separately and fuse in the midline.
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why does the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage stand out more in men?
The two laminae meet at about 90° in men and about 120° in women.
Which thyroid cartilage landmark guides you to the cricothyroid membrane?
The thyroid notch, the top landmark; the cricothyroid membrane lies between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.
Where do the vocal folds attach on the thyroid cartilage?
To its inner angle, about halfway down.
What are the signs of a thyroid cartilage fracture from a blow to the front of the neck?
Hoarseness, pain, air under the skin and possible stridor.
What does medialisation thyroplasty do through the thyroid cartilage?
An implant is placed through a window cut in the lamina to push a paralysed vocal fold to the midline.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- cartilago thyreoidea TA2 967
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Cartílago Tiroides DeCS D013957
- English (TA2)
- Thyroid cartilage
- Also called
- Adam's apple · cartilago thyreoides
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Head and Neck: Adam's Apple; Anatomy, Head and Neck: Larynx Cartilage.
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
