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What Is the Thyroid Cartilage?

The thyroid cartilage is a part of the larynx, or voicebox. Although the name of the cartilage may bring to mind the thyroid gland, according to MedicineNet the two structures are not related except for the fact that they occur close to each other in the neck.

  1. Larynx

    • The larynx, or voicebox, is a cartilaginous structure located in the neck. The larynx houses the vocal cords. This structure also marks the point at which the windpipe, which is also known as the trachea, diverges from the esophagus.

    Thyroid Cartilage Location

    • The thyroid cartilage forms the front face of the larynx. The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage in the larynx and is roughly shield-shaped. The vocal cords attach to the back side of the thyroid cartilage and then extend to the arytenoid cartilages at the back of the larynx.

    Adam's Apple

    • The prominent front keel of the thyroid cartilage corresponds to the Adam's apple. The Adam's apple is also known as the laryngeal prominence.

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