Left Arytenoid Cartilage (Cartilago arytenoidea sinister)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The left arytenoid cartilage is a small pyramidal cartilage situated on the superolateral border of the posterior cricoid lamina. Featuring an anterior vocal process for attachment of the vocal ligament and a lateral muscular process for intrinsic laryngeal muscles, its synovial cricoarytenoid joint enables gliding and rotational movements that control vocal fold abduction, adduction, and tension.
Clinical notes
Arytenoid subluxation or dislocation can occur during difficult endotracheal intubation, resulting in acute hoarseness and vocal fold immobility resembling recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Left Arytenoid Cartilage?
The left arytenoid cartilage is a small pyramidal cartilage situated on the superolateral border of the posterior cricoid lamina. Featuring an anterior vocal process for attachment of the vocal ligament and a lateral muscular process for intrinsic laryngeal muscles, its synovial cricoarytenoid joint enables gliding and rotational movements that control vocal fold abduction, adduction, and tension.
Why is the Left Arytenoid Cartilage clinically important?
Arytenoid subluxation or dislocation can occur during difficult endotracheal intubation, resulting in acute hoarseness and vocal fold immobility resembling recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
Source & license
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