Oblique Arytenoid Muscles

Description

Centered on the posterior larynx, the paired oblique arytenoid muscles (musculus arytenoideus obliquus) cross in an X-shaped pattern as they run superomedially from the muscular process of one arytenoid cartilage to the apex of the contralateral arytenoid. Near their superior extent, fibers continue into the aryepiglottic folds as the aryepiglottic muscle, forming a muscular sling at the laryngeal inlet. Surrounding framework elements logically visible include the lamina of the thyroid cartilage anteriorly, the cricoid cartilage inferiorly, and the arytenoid cartilages perched on the superoposterior cricoid, with the posterior cricoarytenoid lying more inferior and lateral on the posterior cricoid lamina. Small but defining landmarks. Functionally, this is the interarytenoid complex responsible for adducting the arytenoid cartilages and closing the posterior (intercartilaginous) part of the rima glottidis during phonation and protective airway closure. That distinction matters in the clinic: unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy often leaves a posterior glottic gap that affects voice and cough, and interarytenoid mucosa in this region commonly shows pachydermia with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Surgeons also orient to these crossing fibers during transoral microlaryngoscopy and posterior glottic procedures, where scarring or webbing can tether arytenoid motion and limit abduction. Use this artwork in head and neck anatomy teaching on intrinsic laryngeal muscles, in otolaryngology texts discussing vocal fold adduction mechanics, or in speech-language pathology materials that differentiate true vocal fold behavior from posterior commissure closure. It also supports clinical handouts on recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and posterior glottic stenosis by providing clear muscular landmarks against the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.