The human body is a complex system of organs and tissues that function together to keep us alive and healthy. One of the most important organs in the human body is the larynx, which is responsible for producing sound and allowing us to speak. The arytenoid is a small but crucial part of the larynx that plays a vital role in the production of sound. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the term “arytenoid.”
Definitions
The arytenoid is a small, pyramid-shaped cartilage located in the larynx, specifically at the base of the vocal cords. It is responsible for controlling the movement and tension of the vocal cords, which allows us to produce different sounds and pitches when speaking or singing.
Origin
The term “arytenoid” comes from the Greek words “arytenoeides,” which means “shaped like a ladle.” This refers to the pyramid shape of the cartilage, which resembles a ladle.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the arytenoid is defined as “either of a pair of small cartilages in the larynx that are attached to the vocal cords and function in the production of sound.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the arytenoid as “a small, pyramid-shaped cartilage in the larynx that controls the movement and tension of the vocal cords.”
Associations
The arytenoid is closely associated with the production of sound and speech. It works in conjunction with other parts of the larynx, such as the epiglottis and vocal cords, to produce different sounds and pitches.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for the term “arytenoid,” but it is often referred to as a “vocal cord cartilage.”
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for the term “arytenoid.”
The same root words
The root word for “arytenoid” is “arytenoeides,” which means “shaped like a ladle.” Other words that share this root include “arytenoid muscle” and “arytenoid cartilage.”
Example Sentences
- The singer’s arytenoid cartilage was damaged, which affected her ability to hit high notes.
- The doctor examined the patient’s larynx and noticed that the arytenoid was inflamed.
- The vocal coach taught the student how to control the movement of their arytenoid to produce a clear and resonant sound.