Corniculate

Corniculate refers to the small, horn-shaped cartilages located at the apex of the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx. They are part of the laryngeal cartilages that contribute to the structure and function of the voice box.

Anatomy

The corniculate cartilages are paired structures that sit atop the arytenoid cartilages. They are part of the three pairs of small cartilages in the larynx, the other two being the cuneiform cartilages and the arytenoid cartilages. These cartilages are involved in the movement and tension of the vocal cords, which is crucial for phonation.

Function

The primary function of the corniculate cartilages is to aid in the opening and closing of the larynx during breathing and swallowing. They also contribute to the tension of the vocal cords during speech.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or injuries to the corniculate cartilages can lead to voice disorders, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems. Conditions such as laryngitis, laryngeal cancer, and laryngeal papillomatosis can affect the corniculate cartilages.

See Also

• Larynx
• Arytenoid cartilage
• Cuneiform cartilage
• Vocal cords
• Phonation

References

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