Arytenoids

General Information
Latin	Cartilagines arytenoideae
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Respiratory system
Artery	Superior laryngeal artery, Inferior laryngeal artery
Vein
Nerve	Recurrent laryngeal nerve, Superior laryngeal nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor	Pharyngeal arches
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The arytenoid cartilages are a pair of small, three-sided pyramidal cartilages located in the larynx, which is part of the respiratory system. These cartilages play a crucial role in the production of sound and the protection of the airway during swallowing.

Anatomy

The arytenoid cartilages are situated at the posterior aspect of the larynx, resting on the superior border of the cricoid cartilage. Each arytenoid cartilage has a base, an apex, and three surfaces: medial, posterior, and anterolateral.

Base

The base of the arytenoid cartilage articulates with the cricoid cartilage, forming the cricoarytenoid joint. This joint allows the arytenoid cartilages to rotate and glide, which is essential for the movement of the vocal cords.

Apex

The apex of the arytenoid cartilage is pointed and supports the corniculate cartilage, a small conical cartilage that extends the arytenoid cartilage.

Surfaces

• Medial surface: Faces the opposite arytenoid cartilage and is covered by the mucous membrane of the larynx.
• Posterior surface: Provides attachment for the arytenoid muscle, which is involved in adducting the vocal cords.
• Anterolateral surface: Provides attachment for the thyroarytenoid muscle and the vocalis muscle, which are involved in adjusting the tension of the vocal cords.

Function

The primary function of the arytenoid cartilages is to anchor and move the vocal cords. They are involved in:

• Phonation: By rotating and gliding, the arytenoid cartilages adjust the position and tension of the vocal cords, allowing for the production of sound.
• Breathing: During inhalation, the arytenoid cartilages abduct the vocal cords to widen the glottis, facilitating airflow into the lungs.
• Swallowing: During swallowing, the arytenoid cartilages adduct the vocal cords to close the glottis, preventing food and liquid from entering the airway.

Muscles

Several muscles attach to the arytenoid cartilages, enabling their movement:

• Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle: Adducts the vocal cords by rotating the arytenoid cartilages medially.
• Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle: Abducts the vocal cords by rotating the arytenoid cartilages laterally.
• Transverse arytenoid muscle: Adducts the vocal cords by pulling the arytenoid cartilages together.
• Oblique arytenoid muscle: Assists in adducting the vocal cords and closing the laryngeal inlet.

Clinical Significance

The arytenoid cartilages are involved in various clinical conditions, including:

• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx can affect the movement of the arytenoid cartilages, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice.
• Vocal cord paralysis: Damage to the nerves controlling the arytenoid muscles can result in paralysis of the vocal cords, affecting speech and breathing.
• Arytenoid dislocation: Trauma or intubation can cause dislocation of the arytenoid cartilages, leading to voice changes and airway obstruction.

See Also

• Larynx
• Vocal cords
• Phonation
• Respiratory system

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