ANATOMY

It is composed of two Laminae (plate like structures) that join on the anterior side of the cartilage to form peak known as Laryngeal Prominence (Adam’s apple referring lump in the Human Neck). The Laryngeal Prominence is more visible in males than females due to difference in the size of angle found between Thyroid Cartilage surrounding Larynx i.e. 90 degrees in male and 120 degrees in female.

The tip of Thyroid Cartilage just above the Laryngeal Prominence is named as Superior Thyroid Notch whereas the notch inferior to Thyroid angle is known as Inferior Thyroid Notch. The Posterior border of Thyroid Cartilage is elongated inferiorly and superiorly forming two Horns of thyroid Cartilage i.e.

•  Superior Horn of Thyroid Cartilage
•  Inferior Horn of Thyroid Cartilage

JOINTS AND LAYERS

The two Laminae that form the main surface of Thyroid Cartilage extend to cover the both sides of Trachea. The Oblique Line marks the borders of Thyroid Gland (one of largest Endocrine Glands found in Neck). The posterior of each Laminae joints with Cricoid Cartilage (complete ring of cartilage around Trachea) at a joint named as Cricothyroid Joint. The movement at this joint causes the cartilage to make tensions at Vocal Folds (Vocal Cords) which then produce changes in sound. The superior edge of Thyroid Cartilage is attached with Hyoid bone by a Thyroid Membrane.

FUNCTION

It forms the main part of the wall of Larynx and protects the Vocal Folds located directly behind it. The change in angle of Thyroid Cartilage in respect to Cricoid Cartilage changes the Pitch of sound. It also helps in the attachments of several Laryngeal Muscles.