Cricoarytenoid muscle
Cricoarytenoid Muscle
The Cricoarytenoid Muscle (pronunciation: kri-ko-ar-i-ten-oid) is a small, paired muscle that is part of the larynx or voice box. It plays a crucial role in vocal cord movement and thus, in the production of sound.
Etymology
The term "Cricoarytenoid" is derived from the Greek words "krikos" meaning ring, "arytaina" meaning ladle, and "eidos" meaning form or shape. This is in reference to the shape and location of the muscle in the larynx.
Anatomy
The Cricoarytenoid Muscle is divided into two parts: the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle and the Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle. Both muscles originate from the cricoid cartilage and insert into the arytenoid cartilage, hence the name.
The Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle is responsible for opening the vocal cords, while the Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle closes them. This coordinated movement allows for the modulation of sound during speech and singing.
Function
The primary function of the Cricoarytenoid Muscle is to control the opening and closing of the vocal cords. By doing so, it regulates the passage of air through the larynx, which is essential for breathing, speaking, and swallowing.
Related Terms
- Larynx: The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords.
- Vocal Cords: The two bands of smooth muscle tissue found in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
- Cricoid Cartilage: The ring-shaped structure that forms the base of the larynx.
- Arytenoid Cartilage: The pair of pyramid-shaped pieces of cartilage found in the larynx, to which the vocal cords are attached.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cricoarytenoid muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Cricoarytenoid muscle
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