Transverse Arytenoid Muscle, Posterior View

Description

Posteriorly, the paired arytenoid cartilages sit superior to the cricoid lamina and medial to the thyroid ala, and a single transverse arytenoid muscle spans between them as a horizontal interarytenoid band. The muscle fibers bridge the posterior surfaces of the arytenoids, lying deep to the laryngeal mucosa and just superior to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles that occupy the cricoid’s posterior lamina. Superiorly, the epiglottic cartilage is suggested at the laryngeal inlet, while inferiorly the airway continues into the trachea with its cartilaginous rings. Functionally, the transverse arytenoid is a primary adductor of the arytenoid cartilages, drawing them together to close the posterior (intercartilaginous) portion of the rima glottidis during phonation and airway protection. Clinically, this specific posterior view clarifies why recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis can leave a posterior glottic gap and a breathy voice even when the membranous vocal folds approximate, and it supports teaching of glottic closure patterns seen on laryngoscopy and stroboscopy. Small muscle, big consequences. Common use cases include otolaryngology and speech language pathology teaching materials on intrinsic laryngeal muscles, figures for voice science manuscripts discussing adduction mechanics, and surgical education content tied to arytenoid adduction procedures or posterior glottic insufficiency after thyroid or anterior cervical spine surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.