thyroid cartilage

Definition of thyroid cartilage

thyroid cartilage

(THY-royd KAR-tih-lij)
The tough, flexible tissue that forms the front part of the larynx (voice box). It supports and protects the vocal cords and helps create the sound of a person’s voice. The thyroid cartilage also forms the Adam’s apple, which often appears as a lump on the front of the neck.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms