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Superior cornu of thyroid cartilage

The superior cornu (horn) of the thyroid cartilage is a paired, slender, posterolateral projection extending upward from the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage lamina. Each superior cornu articulates with the hyoid bone via the lateral thyrohyoid ligament, forming a crucial component of the thyrohyoid membrane system. The superior cornu provides attachment points for ligaments and muscles, including the thyrohyoid ligament and muscles of the laryngeal framework, contributing to the stability and mobility of the larynx. Morphologically, it is cylindrical or conical, varies in length, and may be asymmetric between sides. Its position and integrity are important for laryngeal function, voice production, and surgical navigation.

Synonyms

  • Superior horn of thyroid cartilage

  • Upper cornu of thyroid cartilage

  • Thyroid cartilage superior projection

Function

  • Provides attachment for the lateral thyrohyoid ligament connecting the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone

  • Serves as an anchor point for laryngeal muscles that control pitch and swallowing

  • Contributes to stability and mobility of the laryngeal framework

  • Supports the supraglottic laryngeal structures

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • The superior cornu appears as a hypointense, linear bony structure relative to surrounding soft tissue

  • Surrounded by hyperintense fat in the paralaryngeal and prelaryngeal spaces, enhancing its outline

  • Pathology, such as fractures, degenerative changes, or tumor invasion, may appear as disruption or altered signal of the bony cortex

T2-weighted images:

  • Maintains low signal intensity, while surrounding soft tissues and fat appear hyperintense

  • Bone marrow edema, inflammation, or fracture may appear hyperintense relative to normal bone

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights abnormal signal in the bone marrow or surrounding soft tissue

  • Normal superior cornu remains hypointense, while edema, inflammation, or tumor appear bright

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a hyperdense, well-corticated bony projection extending from the posterior thyroid lamina

  • Surrounded by hypodense air in the pharyngeal and laryngeal lumen, which provides natural contrast

  • Cortical integrity and shape are clearly visible in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes

  • Useful for evaluating trauma, degenerative changes, ossification variations, or surgical planning

MRI images

Superior cornu of thyroid cartilage mri coronal image -img-00000-00000