Lateral Cricothyroid Ligament, Posterior View

Description

Posteriorly, the paired lateral cricothyroid ligament (ligamentum cricothyreoideum laterale) is seen spanning from the inferior margin and inferior horn region of the thyroid cartilage down to the superior border and arch of the cricoid cartilage, blending medially with the conus elasticus. The cricoid lamina forms a broad posterior plate inferiorly, while the arytenoid cartilages sit superior to it on the cricoarytenoid joints, marking the posterior aspect of the glottic framework. Superiorly, the posterior thyroid laminae frame the laryngeal inlet, with the epiglottis implied anterior and superior, and the tracheal rings continuing inferior to the cricoid. This posterior perspective matters because it clarifies how the cricothyroid complex tensions the vocal folds indirectly: cricothyroid contraction rotates the thyroid cartilage anteroinferiorly on the cricoid, increasing the distance between the thyroid angle and the vocal processes of the arytenoids. That mechanical relationship underpins pitch elevation, and it is also where edema, hemorrhage, or scarring of the cricothyroid region can stiffen the conus elasticus and contribute to dysphonia after anterior neck trauma or surgery. A small structure, big consequences. Use this artwork when teaching laryngeal framework mechanics in gross anatomy, speech and hearing science, or otolaryngology modules, and when illustrating discussions of cricothyrotomy landmarks, anterior laryngeal trauma, or postoperative voice change after thyroid and laryngeal procedures for textbooks and surgical atlases. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.