Definition

Noun 1. A small cartilage in the larynx: Either of a pair of small, pyramid-shaped cartilages located at the back of the larynx (voice box). The vocal folds (vocal cords) are attached to these cartilages. Their movement is essential for changing the tension and position of the vocal folds, which controls voice pitch and the opening/closing of the airway during breathing and swallowing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully adjusted the arytenoid cartilage to improve the patient's voice.
  • The vocal folds are attached posteriorly to the arytenoid cartilages.
  • Inflammation can affect the mobility of the arytenoid.

Advanced Usage

• "Arytenoid complex": A term used in anatomy and medicine to refer to the arytenoid cartilage along with its associated muscles and mucosal covering.
  • The tumor was located near the arytenoid complex.
• "Arytenoid fixation": A medical condition where the arytenoid cartilage becomes immobile, often affecting breathing and voice.
  • The patient was diagnosed with arytenoid fixation following intubation.

Variants and Related Words

• Arytenoid (adjective): Pertaining to the arytenoid cartilage.
  • The arytenoid muscles are responsible for moving the cartilage.
• Arytenoideus (noun): A muscle associated with the arytenoid cartilage.
• Aryepiglottic (adjective): Relating to the arytenoid cartilage and the epiglottis (e.g., aryepiglottic fold).

Synonyms

• Arytenoid cartilage: The full anatomical term.
• Cartilage of Santorini: An older, less common synonym.

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has a single, highly specific meaning in human anatomy. It is almost exclusively used in medical, anatomical, and voice science contexts. There are no common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. either of two small cartilages at the back of the larynx to which the vocal folds are attached