Muscle
Lateral cricoarytenoid
Draws the vocal processes toward the midline
High-yield
Its pull opposes the opening action of posterior cricoarytenoid. Posterior glottic closure also needs interarytenoid coordination, so lateral cricoarytenoid is not the entire closing mechanism.
Overview
From the lateral cricoid arch, this muscle reaches the muscular process of the arytenoid. Pulling that process forward turns the vocal process inward. The resulting adduction brings the membranous vocal folds together, working with other laryngeal muscles during voice production and airway closure.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Superior border of the lateral cricoid arch.
- Insertion
- Muscular process of the arytenoid on the same side, anterior to the posterior cricoarytenoid attachment.
- Innervation
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve, continuing as the inferior laryngeal nerve, from CN X.
- Action
- Pulls the muscular process forward and brings the vocal process medially, helping close the membranous glottis.
- Blood supply
- Branches of the anastomosing laryngeal arterial system, including superior laryngeal and cricothyroid contributions.
Clinical correlation
In adductor laryngeal dystonia, involuntary activity in closing muscles interrupts speech with strained voice breaks. Lateral cricoarytenoid may participate with other adductors; the disorder is not an isolated weakness or overactivity that can be diagnosed from this muscle's anatomy alone.
Frequently asked questions
What does the lateral cricoarytenoid do?
The lateral cricoarytenoid pulls the muscular process forward and brings the vocal process medially, helping close the membranous glottis.
What nerve innervates the lateral cricoarytenoid?
The lateral cricoarytenoid is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, continuing as the inferior laryngeal nerve, from CN X.
Where does the lateral cricoarytenoid attach?
Origin: Superior border of the lateral cricoid arch. Insertion: Muscular process of the arytenoid on the same side, anterior to the posterior cricoarytenoid attachment.
What is the blood supply of the lateral cricoarytenoid?
Branches of the anastomosing laryngeal arterial system, including superior laryngeal and cricothyroid contributions.