Thyroid Cartilage

cartilago thyroidea

The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx, formed by two quadrilateral laminae that fuse anteriorly at the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), open posteriorly, and project superiorly as the superior horns (attached to the hyoid by the thyrohyoid ligament) and inferiorly as the inferior horns (articulating with the cricoid at the cricothyroid joint). The oblique line on the external surface provides attachment for the thyrohyoid, sternothyroid, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The thyroid cartilage defines the boundaries of the cricothyrotomy site: the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage is palpated above the cricothyroid membrane. In surgical airway algorithms, the laryngeal prominence is the starting palpation point to identify the correct anatomy. Thyroid cartilage fracture from strangulation or blunt anterior neck trauma produces laryngeal oedema and airway compromise requiring emergency intubation or surgical airway. Thyroid cartilage is used as graft material in laryngeal reconstruction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Thyroid Cartilage Fracture from Laryngeal Trauma

Blunt anterior neck trauma fractures the thyroid cartilage at its laminae or at the laryngeal prominence, producing hoarseness, subcutaneous emphysema, laryngeal oedema, and respiratory distress; CT confirms the fracture pattern and airway compromise mandates awake fibreoptic intubation or emergency surgical airway before CT if stridor is severe.