Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle: Difference between revisions

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== Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle ==
== Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle ==


The '''lateral cricoarytenoid muscle''' is an important muscle located in the larynx, specifically between the cricoid cartilage and the arytenoid cartilage. It plays a crucial role in the process of phonation, which is the production of sound by the vocal cords.
[[File:Gray960.png|thumb|right|Anatomy of the larynx showing the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.]]
 
The '''lateral cricoarytenoid muscle''' is a small muscle located in the [[larynx]], which is the voice box of the human body. It plays a crucial role in the function of the vocal cords and is essential for [[phonation]], the process of producing vocal sound.


=== Anatomy ===
=== Anatomy ===


The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle originates from the lateral surface of the cricoid cartilage, near the arch. It then inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. This muscle is paired, meaning there is one on each side of the larynx.
The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle originates from the superior border of the [[cricoid cartilage]], which is a ring-like structure located at the base of the larynx. It inserts into the muscular process of the [[arytenoid cartilage]], which is a pair of pyramid-shaped cartilages that are crucial for vocal cord movement.


=== Function ===
=== Function ===


The main function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is to adduct the vocal cords. When this muscle contracts, it brings the arytenoid cartilages closer to the midline, causing the vocal cords to come together. This closure of the vocal cords is essential for the production of sound during speech and singing.
The primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is to adduct the vocal cords. This means it brings the vocal cords together, closing the [[glottis]], which is the space between the vocal cords. This action is essential for producing sound, as it allows the vocal cords to vibrate when air is expelled from the [[lungs]] through the [[trachea]].


=== Clinical Significance ===
=== Innervation ===


The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is crucial for normal vocal cord function. Any dysfunction or impairment of this muscle can lead to voice disorders, such as vocal cord paralysis or paresis. These conditions can result in hoarseness, breathiness, and difficulty in producing certain sounds.
The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is innervated by the [[recurrent laryngeal nerve]], a branch of the [[vagus nerve]] (cranial nerve X). This nerve provides motor control to most of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, including the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.


=== Related Muscles ===
=== Clinical Significance ===
 
The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle works in coordination with other muscles in the larynx to control vocal cord movement. Some of the related muscles include:
 
* [[Thyroarytenoid muscle]]
* [[Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle]]
* [[Interarytenoid muscle]]
 
=== References ===


<references />
Dysfunction of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle can lead to voice disorders. If the muscle is unable to adduct the vocal cords properly, it can result in a breathy voice or difficulty in producing sound. This can occur due to nerve damage, such as from surgery or trauma, affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve.


== See Also ==
== Related Pages ==


* [[Larynx]]
* [[Larynx]]
* [[Vocal cords]]
* [[Vocal cords]]
* [[Phonation]]
* [[Phonation]]
* [[Recurrent laryngeal nerve]]
* [[Cricoid cartilage]]
* [[Arytenoid cartilage]]


[[Category:Muscles]]
[[Category:Muscles of the head and neck]]
[[Category:Larynx]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]

Latest revision as of 11:18, 15 February 2025

Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle[edit]

Anatomy of the larynx showing the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is a small muscle located in the larynx, which is the voice box of the human body. It plays a crucial role in the function of the vocal cords and is essential for phonation, the process of producing vocal sound.

Anatomy[edit]

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle originates from the superior border of the cricoid cartilage, which is a ring-like structure located at the base of the larynx. It inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage, which is a pair of pyramid-shaped cartilages that are crucial for vocal cord movement.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is to adduct the vocal cords. This means it brings the vocal cords together, closing the glottis, which is the space between the vocal cords. This action is essential for producing sound, as it allows the vocal cords to vibrate when air is expelled from the lungs through the trachea.

Innervation[edit]

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). This nerve provides motor control to most of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, including the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Dysfunction of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle can lead to voice disorders. If the muscle is unable to adduct the vocal cords properly, it can result in a breathy voice or difficulty in producing sound. This can occur due to nerve damage, such as from surgery or trauma, affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Related Pages[edit]