Cricoarytenoid Articulation in Elderly Japanese With Special Reference to Morphology of the Synovial Tissue

Abstract

The lateral aspect of the CA joint was likely to be supported mechanically by the muscle-associated tissues. Strong support of the arytenoid by muscles might reduce the degree of CA joint injury with age. However, some patients with hoarseness due to mucosal inflammation of the larynx might have accompanying synovitis and subsequent cartilage injury in the CA joint.

Mechanical, Cellular, and Proteomic Properties of Laryngotracheal Cartilage

“…Local musculature is the primary supportive mechanism, providing dynamic stabilization to protect against large vibratory forces. 34,35…”

“…30,31 This arrangement allows for greater movement of the vocal process, protection of cartilage from potentially damaging vibrations, and cushioning of the arytenoids when they contact. 30,34 The hyaline cartilage of the arytenoids also ossifies; however, investigation of the initiation and modulation of the mineralization process, as well as the roles of gender, are not well known. 23 Conversely, the elastic cartilage of the arytenoids normally does not ossify.…”

“…The saddle-like synovial cricoarytenoid joints allow the arytenoids to move in several directions, with a primary mechanism of switching the glottis from the respiratory (abducted) to the phonatory position (adducted) in a complex triplanar movement. 34,35 A recent evaluation of the structural support of the cricoarytenoid found it lacks strong ligaments, with synovial folds the limit of fibrous support. Local musculature is the primary supportive mechanism, providing dynamic stabilization to protect against large vibratory forces.…”

“…Local musculature is the primary supportive mechanism, providing dynamic stabilization to protect against large vibratory forces. 34,35 Despite the significant complexity of the arytenoids and the mechanics of their movement, they have not been studied in great depth. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35] In the horse, the bulk aggregate modulus from the center of the cartilage has been measured using confined compression tests to be 0.42 ± 0.11 MPa and a permeability of 1.303 ± 0.191 mm 4 /N•s.…”

“…34,35 Despite the significant complexity of the arytenoids and the mechanics of their movement, they have not been studied in great depth. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35] In the horse, the bulk aggregate modulus from the center of the cartilage has been measured using confined compression tests to be 0.42 ± 0.11 MPa and a permeability of 1.303 ± 0.191 mm 4 /N•s. 29 The elastic modulus of the elastic portion of the arytenoids is not known, although it is understood that this structure, along with the vocal ligaments and elastic nodules, must provide gradual changes in elasticity in order to allow the vocal folds to vibrate properly in the human.…”