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]

Arytenoid muscle
Muscles of larynx. Posterior view. Oblique arytenoid: The "X" in the center. Transverse arytenoid: Bands underneath the "X". Aryepiglotticus: Wraps around back.
Sagittal section of the larynx and upper part of the trachea. (Arytenoideus visible at center right.)
Details
Origin	Arytenoid cartilage on one side
Insertion	Arytenoid cartilage on opposite side
Artery	Superior laryngeal artery
Nerve	Recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus
Actions	Approximate the arytenoid cartilages (close rima glottis)
Identifiers
Latin	musculus arytaenoideus
Anatomical terms of muscle [edit on Wikidata]

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.