Laryngeal cartilages are
cartilages which surround and protect the
larynx
The larynx (), commonly called the voice box, is an organ (anatomy), organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The opening of larynx into pharynx known as the laryngeal ...
. They form during embryonic development from
pharyngeal arches
The pharyngeal arches, also known as visceral arches'','' are transient structures seen in the Animal embryonic development, embryonic development of humans and other vertebrates, that are recognisable precursors for many structures. In fish, t ...
. There are a total of nine laryngeal skeleton in humans:
*
Thyroid cartilage - unpaired
*
Cricoid cartilage
The cricoid cartilage , or simply cricoid (from the Greek ''krikoeides'' meaning "ring-shaped") or cricoid ring, is the only complete ring of cartilage around the trachea. It forms the back part of the voice box and functions as an attachment sit ...
- unpaired
*
Epiglottis
The epiglottis (: epiglottises or epiglottides) is a leaf-shaped flap in the throat that prevents food and water from entering the trachea and the lungs. It stays open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During swallowing, it closes ...
- unpaired
*
Arytenoid cartilages - paired
*
Corniculate cartilages
The corniculate cartilages (cartilages of Santorini) are two small conical nodules in the larynx, consisting of elastic cartilage, which articulate with the summits of the arytenoid cartilages and serve to prolong them posteriorly and medially.
T ...
- paired
*
Cuneiform cartilages - paired
Skeletal system