Arytenoid muscle

The arytenoid muscle /ærɪˈtiːnɔɪd/ or interarytenoid muscle is a composite intrinsic muscle of the larynx, consisting of a transverse part and an oblique part - the two parts may be considered as separate muscles: an unpaired transverse arytenoid muscle, and a bilaterally paired oblique arytenoid muscle.^[1]

The two constituent parts differ in their attachments, structure and actions. Both receive motor innervation from the recurrent laryngeal nerve(s) (each nerve being a branch of one vagus nerve (CN X)).^[1]

Clinical significance

Electromyography

Function of the arytenoid muscle is a good method to determine function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.^[2] Continuous electromyography of the arytenoid muscle can provide confidence to surgeons that the recurrent laryngeal nerve is not damaged during neck surgeries, such as thyroidectomy.^[2]

Other animals

The arytenoid muscle is found in many animals, including dogs.^[3]

Additional images

• 
  The cartilages of the larynx. Posterior view.
• 
  Muscles of larynx. Side view. Right lamina of thyroid cartilage removed.
• 
  Aryepiglotic muscle
• 
  Muscles of the larynx, seen from above.
• 
  Dissection of the muscles of the palate from behind.

References

• This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1082 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)