Which laryngeal cartilage is the only one that is paired and located posterolaterally in the larynx?

Explanation

## Laryngeal Cartilage Classification **Key Point:** The arytenoid cartilages are the only paired intrinsic laryngeal cartilages, positioned posterolaterally on the cricoid cartilage. ### Structural Features of Arytenoid Cartilages - **Shape:** Pyramidal (3-sided) - **Location:** Sit on the superior border of the cricoid cartilage, posterolaterally - **Articulation:** Articulate with the cricoid via cricoarytenoid joints (synovial) - **Processes:** - Vocal process (anteriorly) — attachment of vocal ligament - Muscular process (laterally) — attachment of intrinsic laryngeal muscles - Apex (superiorly) — attachment of aryepiglottic ligament ### Comparison with Other Laryngeal Cartilages | Cartilage | Number | Location | Key Feature | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Arytenoid | Paired (2) | Posterolateral | Pyramidal; articulates with cricoid | | Thyroid | Single (1) | Anterolateral | Largest; shield-shaped | | Cricoid | Single (1) | Inferior/posterior | Only complete ring; signet-ring shape | | Epiglottis | Single (1) | Superior/anterior | Leaf-shaped; elastic cartilage | | Corniculate | Paired (2) | Apex of arytenoid | Cartilage of Santorini | | Cuneiform | Paired (2) | Aryepiglottic fold | Cartilage of Wrisberg | **High-Yield:** The arytenoid cartilages are the ONLY paired intrinsic cartilages. All other major laryngeal cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis) are unpaired. **Clinical Pearl:** Arytenoid dislocation or fixation is a rare but important cause of unilateral vocal cord immobility postoperatively or after intubation trauma. **Mnemonic:** **ACE** = Arytenoid (paired), Corniculate (paired), Epiglottis (single) — but remember Arytenoid is the only one of the three major intrinsic cartilages that is paired.