<P> There are six cartilages, three unpaired and three paired, that support the mammalian larynx and form its skeleton . </P> <P> Unpaired cartilages: </P> <Ul> <Li> Thyroid cartilage: This forms the Adam's apple . It is usually larger in males than in females . The thyrohyoid membrane is a ligament associated with the thyroid cartilage that connects the thyroid cartilage with the hyoid bone . </Li> <Li> Cricoid cartilage: A ring of hyaline cartilage that forms the inferior wall of the larynx . It is attached to the top of the trachea . The median cricothyroid ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage . </Li> <Li> Epiglottis: A large, spoon - shaped piece of elastic cartilage . During swallowing, the pharynx and larynx rise . Elevation of the pharynx widens it to receive food and drink; elevation of the larynx causes the epiglottis to move down and form a lid over the glottis, closing it off . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Thyroid cartilage: This forms the Adam's apple . It is usually larger in males than in females . The thyrohyoid membrane is a ligament associated with the thyroid cartilage that connects the thyroid cartilage with the hyoid bone . </Li>

What ring shaped structure forms the lower portion of the larynx