Meaning & use
arytenoids
Last updated
“arytenoids” is a form of “arytenoid”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounusually pluralmedical
The two small, movable cartilages at the back of the larynx that move the vocal cords to change pitch and open or close the airway.
Grammar: Normally plural because there are two: the arytenoids tilt.
Patterns
- the arytenoids of the larynx
- the arytenoids move
The arytenoids rotate to bring the vocal cords together.
A surgeon examined the arytenoids with a tiny camera.
Singers learn to control the muscles that move the arytenoids.
Word forms
| singular | arytenoid |
|---|
Common combinations
- arytenoid cartilage
- The arytenoid cartilage sits on top of the cricoid cartilage.
- move the arytenoids
- Tiny muscles move the arytenoids to adjust the vocal cords.
- arytenoid muscles
- The arytenoid muscles help close the opening to the airway.
- damaged arytenoids
- Damaged arytenoids can cause a weak or hoarse voice.
- dislocated arytenoid
- A dislocated arytenoid may follow a medical tube insertion.
Synonyms and how they differ
- arytenoid cartilages
- This is the full anatomical term, while arytenoids is its common short form.
- laryngeal cartilages
- This is a broader group that includes the arytenoids and other cartilages of the voice box.
Word family
Commonly confused: arytenoids or epiglottis?
arytenoids vs epiglottis
The epiglottis is the flap that covers the windpipe when you swallow; the arytenoids are small cartilages that move the vocal cords.
Practice
Which structure do the arytenoids help to move?
Choose one answer.
The arytenoids tilt and rotate so the vocal cords open or close. They do not move the tongue, jaw or eardrum.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “arytenoids”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.