Thyroepiglottic Ligament

ligamentum thyroepiglotticum

The thyroepiglottic ligament connects the lower quarter of the anterior surface of the epiglottic cartilage to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage at the angle, just above the attachment of the vocal ligaments. It holds the inferior epiglottis to the thyroid cartilage framework, maintaining the epiglottis in its position anterior to the laryngeal inlet.

Region: Neck

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Anchors the lower epiglottis to the thyroid cartilage, limiting posterior displacement of the epiglottis during swallowing and providing structural integration of the epiglottis within the laryngeal cartilage skeleton.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The thyroepiglottic ligament attachment at the thyroid cartilage angle is the critical point for epiglottic carcinoma staging. Tumours invading through this ligament into the pre-epiglottic space are classified as T3 laryngeal cancers. In supraglottic laryngectomy, the epiglottis is resected with its thyroepiglottic ligament intact within the specimen. The ligament is identified in endolaryngeal surgery as the structure at the anterior commissure level just superior to the true vocal folds.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Epiglottic Carcinoma Pre-Epiglottic Invasion

Supraglottic carcinoma breaching the thyroepiglottic ligament attachment infiltrates the pre-epiglottic space bounded by the thyrohyoid membrane, thyroid cartilage, and hyoepiglottic ligament, upstaging the tumour to T3 and requiring total laryngectomy or combined chemoradiation rather than supraglottic resection.