Corpus: Elastic cone

The conus elasticus is an upwardly tapering fibrous funnel that extends from the upper edge of the cricoid cartilage (arcus cartilaginis cricoideae) to the vocal cords (ligamenta vocalia), which correspond to its thickened end.

The conus elasticus consists of connective tissue into which numerous elastic fibres are integrated. It lies directly under the mucous membrane of the larynx. Anteriorly, the conus elasticus merges into the strong ligamentum cricothyroideum medianum, which is regarded in some textbooks as the anterior part of the conus elasticus. The lateral parts of the conus elasticus are relatively thin.

As the name suggests, the conus elasticus is a very mobile ligament that moves together with the vocal cords. This changes the width of the lumen of the cavitas infraglottica (subglottis), which has the effect of regulating the amount of air when speaking.

During a coniotomy due to a life-threatening obstruction of the airway, the conus elasticus is cut transversely.