Thyroid cartilage

The thyroid cartilage (Latin thyroid cartilage ) is the largest cartilage of the larynx. It is composed of hyaline cartilage. This can calcify or ossify in old age and then break more easily.

The thyroid cartilage consists of two side plates ( laminae ) that fuse anteriorly to form a body. On each side plate sits at the top and bottom of a " horn ", Cornu superior and inferior. In animals, these processes point to the front and rear and be as Cornu rostral ( missing in pigs ) and referred to caudal. On the side surfaces each an oblique line ( oblique line ) runs for muscle attachment.

On the body there are above (with animals front) an incision, the superior thyroid notch ( rostral ). It is closed by the thyroid cartilage, hyoid membrane ( thyrohyoid membrane ). In animals, especially in horses, the body is also back cut low ( caudal thyroid notch ). This incision is closed by the cricothyroid ligament.

At the thyroid cartilage body during puberty on the front develops in man a thickening of the Adam's apple ( laryngeal prominence ), and the voice becomes deeper. In animals, this formation is at best hinted at. Through surgery, a pronounced Adam's apple can be reduced ( Larynxreduktionsplastik ).