Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle, Superior View

Description

Viewed from superior to inferior, the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (musculus cricoarytenoideus posterior) occupies the posterior lamina of the cricoid cartilage, with its fibers running superolaterally toward the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. Medial to the paired muscles lies the posterior midline of the cricoid lamina, while laterally the muscle bellies sit adjacent to the cricoarytenoid joints. At the superior margin, the bases of the arytenoids and the interarytenoid region would be expected in close proximity, with the posterior glottic airway space situated anterior to the arytenoid cartilages. Small, paired and easy to miss. Abduction of the vocal folds hinges on this muscle. Paralysis from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or compression, commonly after thyroidectomy, anterior cervical spine surgery, or mediastinal pathology, leaves the posterior cricoarytenoid unable to externally rotate the arytenoids, narrowing the rima glottidis and producing inspiratory stridor or bilateral airway compromise. This superior perspective also clarifies why posterior glottic stenosis and cricoarytenoid joint fixation can mimic neurogenic vocal fold immobility during laryngoscopic assessment. Use this artwork in otolaryngology and speech and hearing sciences teaching to anchor intrinsic laryngeal muscle actions, in surgical texts describing posterior glottic airway procedures, and in clinical counseling materials that explain vocal fold immobility and airway symptoms after recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in adult male anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.