Absence of superior cornua: a rare variant of thyroid cartilage anatomy

During ongoing morphological study of adult human larynx, we found a rare variant of thyroid cartilage anatomy. Absence of superior cornua of thyroid cartilage was seen on left side in a specimen of larynx. In the same specimen was present a large spindle shaped triticeous cartilage. Very few studies describe this type of variation. We recommend that surgeons, radiologists and autopsy surgeons performing any procedures in the region of the neck, to make a mental note of this anatomical variation. This variation and its clinical significance are reported in the paper. Key Words: Thyroid cartilage, superior cornua, triticeous cartilage