Location and Functions of the Larynx
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Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx
Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx:
The 
intrinsic muscles move the arytenoid cartilages and adjust the tension applied to the vocal folds and ligaments. They are called intrinsic muscle because they originate and insert on the larynx.
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Transverse arytenoid – vocal ligaments adducted or moved together.
- Lateral cricoarytenoids – vocal ligaments adducted or moved together.
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- Posterior cricoarytenoids – vocal ligaments abducted or moved apart.
- Vocalis & Thyroarytenoids – length of vocal ligaments reduced or vocal ligaments loosen.
- Cricothyroids – the length of vocal ligaments increase or vocal ligaments tighten.
Related Articles
Vocal Cords (Vocal Folds) & Vestibular Folds of the Larynx
There are two pairs of soft tissue folds projecting into the lumen of the larynx. The inferior folds are the vocal folds and the superior folds are the vestibular folds.
Thyroid and Cricoid Cartilages of the Larynx
The largest laryngeal cartilage is the thyroid cartilage. Inferior to the thyroid cartilage is the ring-shaped cricoid cartilage. Along with the epiglottis, they represent the large cartilages of the larynx.
The Epiglottis of the Larynx
The epiglottis projects obliquely from the top of the larynx. Muscles move the epiglottis to cover the larynx during swallowing to allow for the passage of food. As food clears the passageway, the muscles relax to reopen the respiratory passageway.
