The largest cartilage of the larynx is the thyroid cartilage.
The thyroid cartilage is often referred to as the Adam’s apple, which is more prominent in males due to the influence of testosterone during puberty. It consists mainly of two plates that are fused at the front and open at the back, forming a shield-like structure that encases and protects the vocal cords located inside the larynx.
Functionally, the thyroid cartilage plays a crucial role in the production of sound as it helps to support the laryngeal framework and the position of the vocal cords. Additionally, the shape and angle of the thyroid cartilage are important for the pitch of the voice, as different tensions on the vocal cords affect the frequency of sound produced.