Topics

Topic

design image
Inferior cornu of thyroid cartilage

The inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage is a paired, downward-projecting process located at the posteroinferior angle of each thyroid lamina. It articulates with the cricoid cartilage via the cricothyroid joint, forming a pivotal component of the laryngeal framework. This articulation allows adjustment of vocal cord tension, contributing to voice modulation. Each inferior cornu is conical in shape, with a broad base attached to the lamina and a narrow tip articulating with the cricoid cartilage. The inferior cornu is covered by perichondrium and laryngeal soft tissues, and its size, shape, and angulation are key landmarks in laryngeal imaging and surgical procedures.

Synonyms

  • Inferior horn of thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage inferior process

  • Inferior thyroid cornu

Function

  • Forms the cricothyroid joint with the cricoid cartilage

  • Allows rotation and gliding of the thyroid cartilage to adjust vocal cord tension

  • Supports the anterosuperior laryngeal framework

  • Provides attachment sites for ligaments and muscles involved in phonation and swallowing

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • Appears as a linear hypointense structure extending inferiorly from the thyroid lamina

  • Surrounded by intermediate signal soft tissues and hyperintense fat, which delineates its margins

  • Pathology such as fractures or cartilage degeneration may appear as areas of altered signal or discontinuity

T2-weighted images:

  • The inferior cornu is hypointense, while adjacent soft tissues and fat show higher signal

  • Edema, inflammation, or neoplastic changes in surrounding tissues appear hyperintense

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights edema, inflammation, or cartilage injury

  • Normal inferior cornu remains hypointense; pathological changes appear bright hyperintense

CT Appearance

  • The inferior cornu appears as a hyperdense bony-like or cartilaginous structure extending from the posteroinferior angle of the thyroid lamina

  • Cortical margins are visible in ossified cartilage, while non-ossified cartilage may appear slightly lower density

  • Articulates with the cricoid cartilage at the cricothyroid joint

  • Surrounding air in the laryngeal lumen is hypodense, providing clear contrast

  • CT is particularly useful for assessing fractures, ossification patterns, laryngeal trauma, or surgical planning

MRI images

Inferior cornu of thyroid cartilage mri axial image -img-00000-00000