The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

CRICOID CARTILAGE

The cricoid cartilage is a ring-shaped structure which reinforces the lower larynx where it meets the trachea. It serves as the anchor point for the arytenoid cartilages (which pivot upon the back part of the cricoid cartilage). The arytenoid cartilages are also connected to the cricoid cartilage by cricoarytenoid muscles. The vocal cords are attached to the arytenoid cartilages, from which they span across the larynx to the inside part of the thyroid cartilage on the other side of the airway. By flexing or relaxing the cricoarytenoid muscles, the arytenoid cartilages are forced to pivot, causing the vocal cords to be brought together for speech or separated, for breathing. The vocal and cricothyroid muscles then regulate the degree of tension in the vocal cords, changing the tone of voice during speech.
Research Cricoid Cartilage