Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle

Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle

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

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

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

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

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

• Larynx
• Vocal cords
• Phonation
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Cricoid cartilage
• Arytenoid cartilage