Aryepiglottic fold

The aryepiglottic folds are triangular folds of mucous membrane of the larynx. They enclose ligamentous and muscular fibres. They extend from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages, hence the name 'aryepiglottic'. They contain the aryepiglottic muscles and form the upper borders of the quadrangular membrane. They have a role in growling as a form of phonation. They may be narrowed and cause stridor, or be shortened and cause laryngomalacia.

Aryepiglottic fold
The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind (aryepiglottic fold labeled at center right)
Laryngoscopic view of interior of larynx (aryepiglottic fold labeled at center right)
Details
System	Larynx
Identifiers
Latin	plica aryepiglottica
TA98	A06.2.09.003
TA2	3193
FMA	55448
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Structure

The aryepiglottic folds are triangular. They are narrow in front, wide behind, and slope obliquely downward and backward. They originate from the lateral borders of the epiglottis.^[1] They insert into the arytenoid cartilages.^[1]

In front, they are bounded by the epiglottis. Behind, they are bounded by the apices of the arytenoid cartilages, the corniculate cartilages, and the interarytenoid notch.^[2] Within the posterior part of each aryepiglottic fold exists a cuneiform cartilage which forms a whitish prominence, the cuneiform tubercle.^{[citation needed]}

The aryepiglottic folds contain the aryepiglottic muscles. They form the upper borders of the quadrangular membrane, and the lateral borders of the laryngeal inlet.^[1]

Function

Phonation

Under certain circumstances, the aryepiglottic folds take part in phonation, for instance in the singing technique of vocal growl, such as practiced by Louis Armstrong and other jazz singers. The approximation of the aryepiglottic folds during vocalization may establish sustained co-oscillations, at relatively low frequencies, producing the growl or growling effect.^[3]

Clinical significance

Stridor

If the aryepiglottic folds narrow the laryngeal inlet, they may cause stridor.^[1][4]

Laryngomalacia

The aryepiglottic folds are shortened in laryngomalacia.^[5] They may be surgically removed to prevent problems eating and shortness of breath.^[5]

Gallery

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  Aryepiglottic fold
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  Aryepiglottic fold
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  Aryepiglottic fold
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  Aryepiglottic fold
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  Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind