Posterior cricoarytenoid ligament

The posterior cricoarytenoid ligament (lat. l. cricoarytenoideum po sterius, pna) is one of the paired ligaments of the larynx. It connects the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage to the condyle of the arytenoid cartilage.

The cricoarytenoid posterior ligament, together with the posterior arytenoid muscle, ensures the abduction of the arytenoid cartilage outward, which leads to the expansion of the glottis during inspiration. Thus, this ligament plays an important role in breathing by allowing air to pass into the lungs. Damage or weakening of the ligament can lead to breathing problems and voice problems.

The cricoid ligament prominent posterior (Latin name: ligamentum cricoaryoideum post., Greek name: πύλωμα κρικής αράχνιον πάσσου) is a dense cord of bone structure between the posterior surface of the cricoid bone and the sternothyroid junction ligament, which is often also called the sternothyroid ligament.

The ligament has an arcuate shape; it is located on the slightly concave side of the base of the larynx, which makes it easy to press and fix the thyroid gland during contraction of the muscles of the vocal apparatus. Anatomically, this location of the ligament is very important, since it allows the ability to maintain the mobility of the thyroid cartilage and, therefore, the development of speech in the child at birth. With its lateral edge, the adduction of the ligament does not affect the overlying facial nerve, so speech in newborns develops correctly. In old age, the ligament atrophies slightly - which is why many people, including adults, experience a so-called senile “lisp” in the pronunciation of sounds.

The elliptical ligament has thick and wide loops located in the middle part of the thyroid-hyoid region. Performs the important functions of connecting two bones to form a closed ring and prevents the larynx from protruding from the mouth when swallowing. Thanks to the anterior ligament, the lower jaw forms a lordotic curve (“bulge”) with the thyroid bone and the anterior arch, which stabilizes the larynx during breathing and swallowing movements.

When the ligament is injured, the laryngeal canal expands due to bone splitting. Signs of damage: dry cough, difficulty breathing, hoarseness up to loss of voice. Treatment may include conservative and surgical interventions.