Question:medium
Which of the following laryngeal cartilages is hyaline?
Which of the following laryngeal cartilages is hyaline?
Show Hint
The complete signet-ring cartilage of the larynx is hyaline, unlike the flexible epiglottis.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Epiglottis
- Corniculate
- Cricoid
- Cuneiform
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Sort the larynx cartilages into the two big buckets. The framework or load-bearing cartilages tend to be hyaline, whereas the small mobile and flexible ones tend to be elastic.
Step 2: Hyaline group: thyroid, cricoid, and the main body of each arytenoid. A useful clue is that hyaline laryngeal cartilage calcifies and ossifies in later life, which is why the larynx becomes visible on radiographs in older adults.
Step 3: Elastic group: epiglottis, corniculate, cuneiform, and the tip (apex) of the arytenoid. These stay flexible lifelong because elastic cartilage resists ossification.
Step 4: Test the four choices. Epiglottis, corniculate and cuneiform all sit in the elastic group, leaving the cricoid as the only hyaline cartilage offered.
\[\boxed{\text{Cricoid cartilage}}\]
Step 2: Hyaline group: thyroid, cricoid, and the main body of each arytenoid. A useful clue is that hyaline laryngeal cartilage calcifies and ossifies in later life, which is why the larynx becomes visible on radiographs in older adults.
Step 3: Elastic group: epiglottis, corniculate, cuneiform, and the tip (apex) of the arytenoid. These stay flexible lifelong because elastic cartilage resists ossification.
Step 4: Test the four choices. Epiglottis, corniculate and cuneiform all sit in the elastic group, leaving the cricoid as the only hyaline cartilage offered.
\[\boxed{\text{Cricoid cartilage}}\]
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