Cricoarytenoideus lateralis

Cricoarytenoideus Lateralis

The Cricoarytenoideus lateralis is a muscle of the larynx involved in the control of the vocal cords. It is one of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, playing a crucial role in phonation and breathing.

Anatomy

The Cricoarytenoideus lateralis originates from the upper border of the cricoid cartilage and inserts into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. It is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve.

Function

The primary function of the Cricoarytenoideus lateralis is to adduct the vocal cords. This action narrows the rima glottidis, which is essential for phonation. By bringing the vocal cords closer together, it allows for the production of sound when air passes through the larynx.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Cricoarytenoideus lateralis can lead to voice disorders. Paralysis of this muscle, often due to damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, can result in a breathy voice or difficulty in speaking. It is also involved in conditions such as laryngitis and vocal cord paralysis.

Related Pages

• Larynx
• Cricoid cartilage
• Arytenoid cartilage
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Vagus nerve
• Phonation
• Rima glottidis
• Laryngitis
• Vocal cord paralysis

See Also

• Intrinsic muscles of the larynx
• Voice disorders