Cricoarytenoid muscle: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:06, 15 February 2025

Cricoarytenoid Muscle[edit]

Diagram of the larynx showing the cricoarytenoid muscle.

The cricoarytenoid muscle is a key muscle in the human larynx that plays a crucial role in the movement of the vocal cords. It is involved in the opening and closing of the glottis, which is essential for phonation and breathing.

Anatomy[edit]

The cricoarytenoid muscle is divided into two distinct parts: the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.

Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle[edit]

The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle is the only muscle responsible for abducting the vocal cords, which means it opens the glottis. It originates from the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage.

Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle[edit]

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle adducts the vocal cords, closing the glottis. It originates from the lateral part of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the cricoarytenoid muscle is to control the tension and position of the vocal cords. This is essential for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle opens the vocal cords, allowing air to pass through the larynx, while the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle closes the vocal cords, which is necessary for phonation.

Innervation[edit]

The cricoarytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve. This nerve provides motor innervation to all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx except for the cricothyroid muscle.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Dysfunction of the cricoarytenoid muscle can lead to voice disorders and breathing difficulties. Paralysis of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle can result in an inability to abduct the vocal cords, leading to airway obstruction. Conversely, paralysis of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle can cause a breathy voice due to incomplete closure of the vocal cords.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Cricoarytenoid muscle''' refers to a group of muscles that are crucial in the function of the larynx, particularly in the modulation of voice. The cricoarytenoid muscles are primarily involved in the opening and closing of the vocal folds, which is essential for phonation (voice production), breathing, and protecting the airway during swallowing. There are two main types of cricoarytenoid muscles: the [[Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle|posterior cricoarytenoid muscle]] and the [[Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle|lateral cricoarytenoid muscle]]. Each plays a specific role in the movement of the vocal folds.
+== Cricoarytenoid Muscle ==
-==Anatomy==
+[[File:Gray959.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the larynx showing the cricoarytenoid muscle.]]
-The cricoarytenoid muscles are located in the larynx, which is situated at the top of the trachea. The larynx is made up of several cartilages, with the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages being particularly relevant to the function of the cricoarytenoid muscles.
-===Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle===
+The '''cricoarytenoid muscle''' is a key muscle in the human [[larynx]] that plays a crucial role in the movement of the [[vocal cords]]. It is involved in the opening and closing of the [[glottis]], which is essential for [[phonation]] and [[breathing]].
-The [[Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle|posterior cricoarytenoid muscle]] is the only muscle that opens the vocal folds. It originates from the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. When it contracts, it pulls the arytenoid cartilages apart, which in turn abducts (opens) the vocal folds, allowing for breathing.
-===Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle===
+=== Anatomy ===
-The [[Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle|lateral cricoarytenoid muscle]], in contrast, aids in closing the vocal folds. It originates from the upper border of the side of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. Contraction of this muscle pulls the arytenoid cartilages together, which adducts (closes) the vocal folds, facilitating phonation and protecting the airway during swallowing.
+The cricoarytenoid muscle is divided into two distinct parts: the [[posterior cricoarytenoid muscle]] and the [[lateral cricoarytenoid muscle]].
-==Function==
+==== Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle ====
-The primary function of the cricoarytenoid muscles is to control the position and tension of the vocal folds. By regulating the opening and closing of the vocal folds, these muscles play a vital role in various aspects of voice production, including pitch and volume control. They are also essential in respiratory functions, as they help to regulate airflow in and out of the lungs.
+The [[posterior cricoarytenoid muscle]] is the only muscle responsible for abducting the vocal cords, which means it opens the glottis. It originates from the posterior surface of the [[cricoid cartilage]] and inserts into the muscular process of the [[arytenoid cartilage]].
-==Clinical Significance==
+==== Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle ====
-Dysfunction of the cricoarytenoid muscles can lead to voice disorders, breathing difficulties, and challenges in protecting the airway during swallowing. Conditions such as [[Laryngeal paralysis|laryngeal paralysis]], [[Vocal fold paresis|vocal fold paresis]], and cricoarytenoid arthritis can affect the function of these muscles, resulting in symptoms ranging from hoarseness and breathiness to complete loss of voice and airway obstruction.
+The [[lateral cricoarytenoid muscle]] adducts the vocal cords, closing the glottis. It originates from the lateral part of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage.
-==Treatment==
+=== Function ===
-Treatment for cricoarytenoid muscle dysfunction depends on the underlying cause. Options may include voice therapy, surgical interventions, and in some cases, management of the underlying condition (e.g., controlling arthritis). Voice therapy aims to improve vocal function through exercises that strengthen or balance muscle activity. Surgical options may involve procedures to reposition the vocal folds or to alter the tension of the laryngeal muscles.
+The primary function of the cricoarytenoid muscle is to control the tension and position of the vocal cords. This is essential for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle opens the vocal cords, allowing air to pass through the larynx, while the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle closes the vocal cords, which is necessary for phonation.
-==See Also==
+=== Innervation ===
+The cricoarytenoid muscle is innervated by the [[recurrent laryngeal nerve]], a branch of the [[vagus nerve]]. This nerve provides motor innervation to all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx except for the [[cricothyroid muscle]].
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Dysfunction of the cricoarytenoid muscle can lead to voice disorders and breathing difficulties. Paralysis of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle can result in an inability to abduct the vocal cords, leading to airway obstruction. Conversely, paralysis of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle can cause a breathy voice due to incomplete closure of the vocal cords.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Larynx]]
-* [[Vocal folds]]
+* [[Vocal cords]]
 * [[Phonation]]
-* [[Voice therapy]]
+* [[Recurrent laryngeal nerve]]
-[[Category:Human voice]]
-[[Category:Respiratory system]]
-[[Category:Muscular system]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Muscles of the head and neck]]