Surreal illustration of laryngeal joints as aging clockwork.

Aging Larynx: How Joints Change and What It Means for Your Voice

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comparative look at the cricoarytenoid and cricothyroid joints in the elderly and implications for vocal health."

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, some more noticeable than others. The larynx, or voice box, is no exception. Within the larynx are small joints crucial for vocal function. This article explores how two of these joints, the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT), change with age, based on recent research examining tissue samples from elderly individuals.

Previous research has described the CT joint as undergoing significant degeneration with age. Synovial tissues, including the joint capsule, suffer damage, exposing ligament fibers. Surprisingly, despite this degeneration, the number of macrophages (immune cells) remains low. In contrast, the CA joint resembles a saddle joint, similar to those in your fingers, playing a key role in phonation (sound production).

This article delves into a comparative analysis of the CA and CT joints, focusing on the elastic fiber content and the cells composing the joint capsule and synovial tissues. By understanding these age-related morphological differences, we can gain insights into maintaining vocal health and addressing age-related voice changes.

CA vs. CT Joints: What Changes with Age?

Surreal illustration of laryngeal joints as aging clockwork.

The study compared 18 specimens from elderly cadavers, examining the elastic fiber content and cellular composition of both the CA and CT joints. One key difference was the joint interface. The CT joint presented an almost flat surface, while the CA joint had a saddle-like structure.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

CA Joint: Thin capsule with few elastic fibers. External fibrous tissues were not exposed, indicating less capsule injury. Lateral and posterior aspects supported by muscles. Synovial folds were consistently present.
CT Joint: Significant degeneration, with external ligament fibers exposed due to capsule destruction. Macrophage presence was generally low.

Researchers observed that the CA joint capsule was thin with few elastic fibers. Unlike the CT joint, external fibrous tissues weren't exposed to the joint cavity, suggesting a lower degree of capsule damage. The sides and back of the CA joint are propped up by the lateral and posterior CA muscles, respectively. The fascia (connective tissue) of the posterior muscle sometimes was thick with abundant elastic fibers. However, due to possible muscle degeneration related to age, loose connective tissue was often found between the fascia and the capsule.

What It Means for Vocal Health

The study highlights significant differences in how the CA and CT joints age. The CA joint benefits from muscle support and high surface congruity, suggesting inherent stability. The CT joint is prone to degeneration with age.

While this research offers valuable insights, it's essential to remember that these findings are based on cadaver specimens. Further research is needed to understand how these changes directly correlate with vocal function in living individuals.

This study underscores the importance of maintaining overall vocal health as we age. Strategies might include vocal exercises, proper hydration, and avoiding vocal strain. If you experience significant voice changes, consulting a medical professional is recommended.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5115/acb.2016.49.1.61, Alternate LINK

Title: Synovial Tissue Morphology Of The Cricoarytenoid Joint In The Elderly: A Histological Comparison With The Cricothyroid Joint

Subject: Cell Biology

Journal: Anatomy & Cell Biology

Publisher: Korean Association of Anatomists

Authors: Sakura Katsumura, Masahito Yamamoto, Kei Kitamura, Masaaki Kasahara, Yukio Katori, Shin-Ichi Abe

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) joints, and what is their role?

The cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) joints are both found in the larynx, or voice box, and are crucial for vocal function. The CA joint is a saddle-like joint, similar to those in your fingers, and is essential for phonation (sound production). The CT joint allows for pitch control by tilting the thyroid cartilage. Both joints undergo changes with age, affecting vocal health.

How do the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) joints differ in how they age?

The cricoarytenoid (CA) joint is less prone to age-related damage compared to the cricothyroid (CT) joint. The CA joint has a thin capsule with few elastic fibers, and external fibrous tissues are not exposed, suggesting less capsule injury. The CA joint is also supported by muscles. In contrast, the CT joint shows significant degeneration with age, including capsule destruction that exposes ligament fibers. This makes the CT joint more vulnerable to age-related deterioration.

How can the cricothyroid (CT) joint's degeneration affect vocal health?

The cricothyroid (CT) joint degeneration can impact vocal health by affecting pitch control and overall vocal stability. The CT joint's damage, including the destruction of the joint capsule and exposure of ligament fibers, can lead to decreased functionality and an unstable voice. Because the CT joint is responsible for the stretching and tensing of the vocal folds, any degradation will impede vocal quality. The cricoarytenoid (CA) joint, on the other hand, benefits from inherent stability due to its structure and muscular support, making it less susceptible to age-related vocal issues.

What structural differences were observed between the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) joints?

The study observed that the cricoarytenoid (CA) joint has a thin capsule with few elastic fibers, and external fibrous tissues are not exposed, which suggests a lower degree of capsule damage. The sides and back of the CA joint are propped up by the lateral and posterior CA muscles, respectively, offering stability. In contrast, the cricothyroid (CT) joint showed significant degeneration, with external ligament fibers exposed due to capsule destruction. The CT joint's degeneration is more pronounced, highlighting the differences in how these joints age.

What can be done to maintain vocal health, considering the aging of the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) joints?

Maintaining vocal health as we age involves understanding how joints like the cricoarytenoid (CA) and cricothyroid (CT) change. Since the CT joint is prone to degeneration, strategies to support its function may be beneficial. Although not explicitly mentioned, this may include vocal exercises and lifestyle adjustments. The CA joint benefits from its structure and muscle support. Focusing on vocal techniques, maintaining good hydration, and avoiding vocal strain can support overall vocal health.