Cartilago corniculata is a cartilage of the human system. It is located in the neck and is associated with the larynx. It is a small cartilage that supports the functional activity of the larynx.
What is the cartilago corniculata?
Cartilago corniculata is a small cartilage in the human organism. It is also called lace cartilage, horn cartilage or Santorini cartilage by medical professionals. The larynx is located in the neck and is formed by a mobile but also vulnerable cartilaginous framework. The cartilago corniculata forms a component of this. It is located in the mucosa and rests on a layer of the laryngeal framework. The larynx is responsible for the formation of speech in humans. In addition, it protects the trachea during the act of swallowing. The cartilago corniculata is located in a mucosal fold in the lower pharynx and the border with the larynx. Thus, it forms the transition from the pharynx to the larynx. Without it, the functionality of the larynx is limited. This is movable to transport the ingested food or drink down to the stomach. In addition, the cartilages move during phonotonia. Singing and sound production passes through different areas from the glottis to the lips until certain sounds are produced correctly. The cartilago corniculata supports the surrounding cartilaginous layers in this process.
Anatomy and structure
The cartilago corniculata is composed entirely of cartilage. This makes it more unstable than bone and more susceptible to damage. Human cartilage is composed of chondrocytes and an extracellular substance. These are special cells of connective tissue that are harder than normal connective tissue, but still do not have the stability of bone. The larynx, or voice box, consists of a total of four layers of cartilage. These are the cartilago cricoidea, the cartilago thyroidea, the cartilago epiglottica and the cartilagines arytaenoideae. These are the cricoid, thyroid, epiglottis, and stellate cartilages. In addition, there are three paired smaller cartilages. These are the cartilagines cuneiformes, the cartilagines corniculatae and the cartilagines triticeae. These are the cuneiform cartilage, the cuckold cartilage and the wheat cartilage. They support the cartilaginous layers but have no formative function. The cartilago corniculata overlies the stellate cartilages. It is located in the plica aryepiglottica. This is a mucosal fold. It is located in the pharynx and demarcates it from the larynx. Thus, the cartilago corniculata forms the transition from the lower pharynx to the larynx.
Function and tasks
The main function of the cartilago corniculata is to support the function of the larynx. Because this is formed by a mobile cartilaginous framework, various cartilages work in concert with each other. The cartilago corniculata lies on top of the articular cartilage. It is thus located between a layer of cartilage and the epiglottis. The latter forms a closure to the laryngeal inlet. During the act of swallowing, the epiglottis is set in motion by the muscles of the tongue and larynx. The epiglottis serves essentially to protect the trachea during the swallowing act. The ingested food and drink as well as saliva can pass through the epiglottis unhindered into the stomach. The rear part of the tongue is firmly connected to the larynx via the base of the tongue. This serves the act of swallowing, which is divided into voluntary control and a reflex movement. Once the swallowing reflex is initiated, the larynx and the corresponding muscles in the pharynx and throat work in automatic coordination with each other. The cartilago corniculata is part of this system. In addition, the firm connection of the base of the tongue with the larynx is helpful for the regulation of speech. In particular, the phonation of the pharyngeal sounds is carried out by this finely tuned mechanism. The revenge sounds include the sounds “k”, “g”, “ch” and “r”. For singers of classical music in particular, this region of the body performs an important function. Even though the cartilago corniculata has only a secondary function in this process, it is still important in the overall process of sound formation.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases of the larynx is laryngitis. This can be differentiated into acute or chronic inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. Since the larynx is considered the sound generator, speech and singing may be incomplete or absent in the presence of inflammation.Hoarseness, severe cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing are further symptoms of laryngitis. A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract can spread to the nose and throat. In addition, there is a risk that it will continue from there down to the larynx. Sufferers often also suffer from pharyngitis or laryngopharyngitis. Laryngitis is associated with severe swelling of the laryngeal outlet, the subglottis, and can cause dangerous coughing fits and airflow problems in children. There is also the possibility of developing an inflammation of the trachea, tracheitis. Chronic laryngitis is usually triggered by toxins in the environment. These can be environmental, such as toxic dyes, nicotine consumption or alcohol consumption. They also cause hoarseness and attack the mucous membranes in the throat and neck. As soon as hoarseness persists for several weeks, sufferers should see a doctor. Since laryngeal cancer has comparable symptoms, tumor formation is also possible. This is usually malignant and difficult to treat. In addition to hoarseness, the voice changes over a longer period of time. Breathing difficulties may occur at an advanced stage, resulting in an artificial airway.
