Last update: Nov 6th, 2017

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.

Transverse arytenoid

• Lateral cricoarytenoids – vocal ligaments adducted or moved together.

Rapidly and efficiently memorize larynx muscle anatomy with this handy muscle anatomy reference chart for the head and neck.

Lateral cricoarytenoids

• Posterior cricoarytenoids – vocal ligaments abducted or moved apart.

Posterior cricoarytenoids

• Vocalis & Thyroarytenoids – length of vocal ligaments reduced or vocal ligaments loosen.

• Cricothyroids – the length of vocal ligaments increase or vocal ligaments tighten.

Cricothyroids