
The interarytenoid muscle, also known as the transverse arytenoid, is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle that plays a crucial role in phonation, or sound production. By attaching to both arytenoid cartilages, the contraction of this muscle pulls the arytenoid cartilages closer together, adducting the vocal folds and narrowing the laryngeal inlet. This reflex action helps prevent the inhalation of food or liquid by closing the gap between the arytenoid cartilages. The interarytenoid muscle also works synergistically with other muscles, such as the lateral cricoarytenoid, to maintain glottic closure during adduction of the vocal cords. Innervation to the interarytenoid muscle comes from the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are branches of the vagus nerve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Intrinsic laryngeal muscle |
| Location | Posterior aspect of the larynx, superior to the cricoid cartilage |
| Function | Adducts the vocal fold, maintains glottic closure when the cords are adducted, controls sound production |
| Innervation | Branches of the vagus nerve, recurrent laryngeal nerve |
| Composition | Transverse arytenoid, oblique arytenoid (sometimes considered two parts of the same muscle) |
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What You'll Learn

The interarytenoid muscle is involved in phonation or sound production
The interarytenoid muscle, also known as the transverse arytenoid muscle, is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just above the cricoid cartilage. It is one of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, which are primarily responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the tension, length, and position of the vocal cords.
The interarytenoid muscle works together with the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle to maintain glottic closure when the vocal cords are adducted. By attaching to both arytenoid cartilages, the contraction of the interarytenoid muscle pulls the arytenoid cartilages closer together, adducting the vocal folds. This action also closes the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis and narrows the laryngeal inlet, which is essential for preventing the inhalation of food or liquid.
The adduction of the arytenoid cartilages is crucial for phonation or sound production. When the vocal cords are brought close together, the rima glottidis is closed, allowing pressure to build up in the lower respiratory tract. This pressure buildup is essential for producing sound.
In addition to its role in phonation, the interarytenoid muscle also plays a role in respiration. It is involved in the positioning of the vocal folds during breathing, working together with the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. However, the exact mechanism of its influence on voice parameters during phonation is not yet fully understood.
The interarytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are branches of the vagus nerve. Some studies have also suggested that it may be supplied by both the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves, indicating a more complex innervation pattern than previously thought.
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It is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle
The interarytenoid muscle is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle. Intrinsic laryngeal muscles are confined within the larynx and are primarily responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the vocal cords' tension, length, and position. They also play a role in airway protection during swallowing. The interarytenoid muscle is also referred to as the transverse arytenoid muscle, and it is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just superior to the cricoid cartilage.
The transverse arytenoid muscle works synergistically with the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle to maintain glottic closure when the cords are adducted. By attaching to both arytenoid cartilages, the contraction of its horizontal muscle fibres pulls the arytenoid cartilages closer together, adducting the vocal folds. This action also closes the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis and narrows the laryngeal inlet.
The transverse arytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are branches of the vagus nerve. Some studies have suggested that the interarytenoid muscle may also be supplied by the superior laryngeal nerve, which has generally been thought to provide exclusively sensory input.
The interarytenoid muscle is one of the primary intrinsic laryngeal muscles, along with the cricothyroid, thyroarytenoid, lateral and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. These muscles are all adductors of the vocal fold, and they work together to position the vocal folds during respiration and phonation.
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It is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx
The interarytenoid muscle, also known as the transverse arytenoid muscle, is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just superior to the cricoid cartilage. This muscle is responsible for closing the gap between the arytenoid cartilages and filling the concavities on their posterior surface.
The transverse arytenoid is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle, which means it is confined within the larynx. Intrinsic laryngeal muscles are primarily responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the tension, length, and position of the vocal cords. They also play a critical role in breathing and airway protection during swallowing.
The interarytenoid muscle works synergistically with the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle to maintain glottic closure when the vocal cords are adducted. By attaching to both arytenoid cartilages, the contraction of the transverse arytenoid's horizontal muscle fibres pulls the arytenoid cartilages closer together, adducting the vocal folds. This action also closes the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis and narrows the laryngeal inlet, preventing the inhalation of food or liquid.
The interarytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are branches of the vagus nerves. Some studies have also suggested that the interarytenoid muscle may be supplied by both the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves.
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It is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve
The interarytenoid muscle, also known as the transverse arytenoid muscle, is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just superior to the cricoid cartilage. It is one of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, which are confined within the larynx and are responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the vocal cords' tension, length, and position. The interarytenoid muscle works synergistically with the lateral cricoarytenoid to maintain glottic closure when the cords are adducted.
The interarytenoid muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), which is a branch of the vagus nerve. The RLN is responsible for supplying motor and sensory input to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, allowing them to function properly. This includes the interarytenoid muscle, which plays a role in the positioning of the vocal folds during respiration and phonation.
The RLN is a crucial nerve for vocal cord function. It supplies innervation to the muscles that control the tension, length, and position of the vocal cords, including the interarytenoid muscle. By contracting and relaxing, the interarytenoid muscle helps to adjust the tension and position of the vocal cords, which in turn affects the pitch and volume of the sound produced.
The RLN also has a protective function. It helps to prevent the inhalation of food or liquid by triggering a reflex action in response to the presence of liquids or particles in the laryngeal vestibule. This reflex action involves the contraction of the interarytenoid muscle, which closes the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis and narrows the laryngeal inlet, preventing the entry of foreign substances.
The innervation of the interarytenoid muscle by the RLN is essential for its function in phonation and airway protection. By stimulating the interarytenoid muscle, the RLN helps to control vocal intensity and fundamental frequency during sound production, while also ensuring that the airway remains protected during swallowing or speech.
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It works with other muscles to prevent inhalation of food or liquid
The interarytenoid muscle, also known as the transverse arytenoid muscle, is located at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just above the cricoid cartilage. It is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle, which means it is confined within the larynx. Intrinsic laryngeal muscles are primarily responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the vocal cords' tension, length, and position.
The interarytenoid muscle works to prevent the inhalation of food or liquid. This is achieved through its contraction, which pulls the arytenoid cartilages together, closing the gap between them and filling the concavities on their posterior surface. This action also closes the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis and narrows the laryngeal inlet.
The interarytenoid muscle works synergistically with the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle to maintain glottic closure when the vocal cords are adducted. This combined action of these muscles, along with the oblique arytenoid and aryepiglottic muscles, closes the rima glottidis fully. This closure is a reflex action that occurs when liquids or particles are present in the laryngeal vestibule, approaching the rima glottidis.
The epiglottis is also drawn posteriorly over the laryngeal inlet to further protect against bolus aspiration. This complex coordination of muscles ensures that food or liquid is directed safely into the oesophagus during swallowing, preventing inhalation and potential aspiration.
In summary, the interarytenoid muscle plays a crucial role in protecting the airway during swallowing by working in conjunction with other muscles to close the laryngeal inlet and prevent the inhalation of foreign substances. This function is essential for maintaining respiratory health and preventing aspiration pneumonia.
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Frequently asked questions
Interarytenoid muscles are intrinsic laryngeal muscles that are located at the posterior aspect of the larynx. They are also referred to as adductors of the vocal fold.
Interarytenoid muscles work together with the lateral cricoarytenoid to maintain glottic closure when the vocal cords are brought close together. They also play a role in sound production or phonation.
Interarytenoid muscles are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are branches of the vagus nerves. They receive sensory input from the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
















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