What is "arytenoid cartilage"

n. either of two small cartilages at the back of the larynx to which the vocal folds are attached [syn: arytenoid, arytaenoid]

The arytenoid cartilages are a pair of small three-sided pyramids which form part of the larynx, to which the vocal folds (vocal cords) are attached. These allow and aid in the vocal cords' movement.

Each is pyramidal or ladle-shaped in form (arytenoid comes from Greek arytaina meaning ladle + eidos, meaning form), and has three surfaces, a base, and an apex.