Examining the Prevalence and Morphological Diversity of Triticeal Cartilage and Its Importance in Cadavers Referred to Tehran Anatomy Hall, Iran

Triticea may be mistaken for a fracture of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage. This study aimed to determine the presence or absence of this cartilage in the larynx and its morphological variability so that forensic colleagues be more aware of diagnosing the possible fracture of the upper horn of the thyroid cartilage during the autopsy.

In the present study, 215 cadavers over 15 years of age that had their necks opened during the examination and autopsy were selected. The study took place in the dissection room of the Forensic Laboratory Diagnostic Center of Tehran province in 2016. The laryngeal area of ​​the cadavers was examined for the presence or absence of cartilage as well as its shape and location.

In the present study, 24.4% of men and 18.2% of women did not have this cartilage, however, it was observed in 18.1% of men and 21.6% of women on the right side, 15% of men, and 10.2% of women on the left side and 42.5% of men and 50% of women in both sides. The results showed that spheroidal and cylindrical cartilages are more common in men and oval cartilages are more common in women.

Similar to other studies, in this study, the triticeal cartilage was not observed in some of the cadavers; however, a significant percentage of the cadavers had this cartilage, which can be mistaken for a fracture of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage if the larynx is not examined carefully, and especially if the cartilage is on one side that can lead to a serious error in determining the cause of death.