Muscular process of arytenoid cartilage

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Larynx, viewed from behind, showing muscular process of arytenoid cartilage

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Synonyms
Pronunciation
Carnegie stage
Days
Precursor
Gives rise to
Part of

The muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage is a critical anatomical feature of the larynx, playing a vital role in the function of the vocal cords and voice production. The arytenoid cartilages are paired structures located in the larynx, and each has a muscular process that serves as an attachment point for important laryngeal muscles.

Anatomy

The arytenoid cartilages are pyramid-shaped structures situated on the superior border of the cricoid cartilage. Each arytenoid cartilage has three processes: the vocal process, the apex, and the muscular process. The muscular process projects laterally and serves as the attachment site for the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.

Muscles Attached

• Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle: This muscle is the only abductor of the vocal cords, meaning it opens the vocal cords by rotating the arytenoid cartilages laterally.
• Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle: This muscle adducts the vocal cords, closing them by rotating the arytenoid cartilages medially.

Function

The muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage is essential for the movement and positioning of the vocal cords. By serving as the attachment point for the posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles, it allows for the precise control of vocal cord tension and position, which is necessary for phonation and breathing.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction or damage to the muscular process or the muscles attached to it can lead to voice disorders or breathing difficulties. Conditions such as vocal cord paralysis or arytenoid dislocation can affect the function of the muscular process, impacting the ability to speak or breathe properly.

Also see

• Arytenoid cartilage
• Vocal process of arytenoid cartilage
• Larynx
• Phonation
• Vocal cords