Lateral cricoarytenoid muscles

Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscles

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are a pair of muscles located in the larynx, specifically in the region where the cricoid cartilage and arytenoid cartilages meet. These muscles play a crucial role in the process of phonation, which is the production of sound by the vocal cords.

Anatomy

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are bilateral muscles, meaning that there is one on each side of the larynx. They originate from the lateral surface of the cricoid cartilage and insert into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. The arytenoid cartilages are small, pyramid-shaped structures that sit on top of the cricoid cartilage.

Function

The main function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles is to adduct the vocal cords. When these muscles contract, they bring the arytenoid cartilages closer to the midline, causing the vocal cords to come together. This closure of the vocal cords is essential for the production of sound during speech and singing.

Additionally, the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles also play a role in controlling the tension of the vocal cords. By adjusting the tension, these muscles help in modulating the pitch and volume of the voice.

Clinical Significance

The lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve. Damage to this nerve can result in paralysis or weakness of the muscles, leading to voice problems such as hoarseness or difficulty in producing certain sounds.

In some cases, surgical procedures may be performed on the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles to treat certain voice disorders. These procedures aim to modify the tension and position of the muscles to improve vocal cord function and restore normal voice production.

See Also

• Larynx
• Vocal Cords
• Phonation