Okay, let's tackle this question about vertical partial laryngectomy. The user wants to know which structures are removed except one. First, I need to recall what a vertical partial laryngectomy entails. From what I remember, this is a type of surgery for laryngeal cancer where part of the larynx is removed. The key here is understanding the anatomy of the larynx and the structures preserved versus those removed.

The larynx has several parts: the epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, vocal cords, and arytenoid cartilages. Vertical partial laryngectomy typically involves removing part of the larynx but preserving the vocal cords. Wait, no, maybe I'm mixing up the types. There's also the supraglottic, subtotal, and total laryngectomy. A vertical partial might remove the anterior commissure or part of the thyroid cartilage, but the vocal cords might be preserved if the tumor is in the supraglottic region.

So the structures removed in a vertical partial laryngectomy would include the epiglottis, part of the thyroid cartilage, and possibly the arytenoid cartilage. But the cricoid cartilage is usually left intact because it's part of the subglottis. Wait, no—some sources might say that the cricoid is preserved in vertical partials. Let me double-check.

In a vertical partial laryngectomy, the goal is to remove the anterior part of the larynx, so structures like the epiglottis, thyroid cartilage (anterior portion), and arytenoids are removed. The cricoid cartilage and vocal cords are left. Therefore, the structure that's NOT removed would be the cricoid cartilage.

The options are missing, but based on the question structure, the correct answer would be the cricoid cartilage. The other options (epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage) are removed. So the "except" answer is the cricoid cartilage. Let me make sure. If the question is asking for the structure not removed, then the answer is the cricoid cartilage.

Wait, but some variations might involve the cricoid. However, in standard vertical partial laryngectomy, the cricoid is preserved. So the correct answer is the cricoid cartilage.

**Core Concept** Vertical partial laryngectomy preserves the cricoid cartilage and vocal cords while removing supraglottic structures. Key anatomical landmarks include the epiglottis, arytenoids, and thyroid cartilage, which are often excised depending on tumor location.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right** The cricoid cartilage remains intact in vertical partial laryngectomy to maintain airway patency and laryngeal framework. This contrasts with total laryngectomy, where the cricoid is removed. Preserving the cricoid allows for postoperative voice and swallowing function.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Epiglottis* is typically removed due to its supraglottic location.
**Option B:** *Arytenoid cartilage* is excised if tumor involvement occurs in the posterior

✓ Correct Answer: B. Epiglottis