The arytenoid cartilages are part of the posterior part of the
larynx.
Surfaces The
posterior surface is triangular, smooth, concave, and gives attachment to the
arytenoid muscle and transversus. The
antero-lateral surface is somewhat convex and rough. On it, near the apex of the cartilage, is a rounded elevation (colliculus) from which a ridge (crista arcuata) curves at first backward and then downward and forward to the
vocal process. The lower part of this crest intervenes between two depressions or
foveæ, an upper, triangular, and a lower oblong in shape; the latter gives attachment to the
thyroarytenoid muscle (vocal muscle). The
medial surface is narrow, smooth, and flattened, covered by
mucous membrane. It forms the lateral boundary of the intercartilaginous part of the
rima glottidis.
Base and apex The
base of each cartilage is broad, and on it is a concave smooth surface, for articulation with the
cricoid cartilage. • Its lateral angle is called the
muscular process. • Its anterior angle is called the
vocal process. The
apex of each cartilage is pointed, curved backward and medialward, and surmounted by a small conical, cartilaginous nodule, the
corniculate cartilage. It articulates with the cricoid lamina with a
ball-and-socket joint. == Function ==