What does arytenoid mean?
"Arytenoid" is an anatomical term describing a pair of small, three-sided cartilages in the larynx that sit atop the cricoid cartilage at the rear of the voice box. These cartilages are crucial to speech and breathing: the vocal folds attach to them, and tiny muscles rotate the arytenoids so that the folds can come together for voicing or draw apart for breathing. In medical use, "arytenoid" most often appears adjectivally — as in "arytenoid cartilage," "arytenoid dislocation," or "arytenoid adduction" — though it can also stand alone as a noun meaning one of these cartilages themselves. The word derives from the Greek "arytaina," meaning ladle or jug, reflecting the shape of the cartilages, combined with the suffix "-oid," meaning "resembling." It is chiefly encountered by clinicians such as laryngologists, speech therapists, and vocal coaches, and is rarely heard outside specialist discussion of the throat, voice, or singing technique.
Of, relating to, or designating either of a pair of small pyramid-shaped cartilages in the larynx that articulate with the cricoid cartilage.
"The arytenoid cartilages rotate to bring the vocal folds together during speech."
Almost always found in technical anatomical contexts.
An arytenoid cartilage; usually encountered in the plural form 'arytenoids'.
"The arytenoids move apart to allow air into the trachea."
Typically used in the plural in clinical writing.
Standard plural; commonly used when discussing both cartilages together.
"Intubation trauma can fix one of the arytenoids in place, leaving the vocal fold immobile."
Your voice depends on two tiny cartilages shaped like little jugs — their Greek name literally means 'ladle-shaped.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arytenoid
The word comes from the ancient Greek "arytaina" (ἀρυταίνα), meaning a ladle or jug, referring to the shape of the cartilages, combined with "-eidos" via the modern combining form "-oid," meaning "having the form of." It entered English through New Latin in early anatomical usage, likely in the 17th century, when Latin-based descriptive terminology was standardizing across European medicine. The related muscle name "arytenoideus" shares the same root.
How arytenoid is actually used
Primarily used in medical, anatomical, phonetic, and singing-related contexts; rare in everyday speech. As a noun it is usually encountered in the plural ('the arytenoids').
Easily confused with arytenoid
The cricoid is a single ring-shaped cartilage forming the base of the larynx, whereas the arytenoids are paired pyramid-shaped cartilages sitting on top of it.