What does the thyroid cartilage articulate with to form the laryngeal prominence?

The thyroid cartilage forms the laryngeal prominence, commonly referred to as the Adam's apple, through its articulation with the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid cartilage is shaped like a shield and is located at the front of the neck, while the cricoid cartilage is a complete ring that sits below the thyroid cartilage. The junction between these two cartilages creates a noticeable protrusion, which is more prominent in males due to hormonal influences during puberty that develop larger laryngeal structures.

Other options do not contribute to the formation of the laryngeal prominence. The vocal cords are soft tissue structures within the larynx that are not bone or cartilage and do not form any visible external protrusion. The epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing, does not articulate with the thyroid cartilage in a way that contributes to the laryngeal prominence. The thyroid gland, while closely associated with the thyroid cartilage anatomically, does not articulate with it and plays a different role in the body, primarily related to metabolic regulation.