Oblique Arytenoid
Larynx · Head & Neck
The oblique arytenoid muscles are a pair of slender fasciculi that cross the back of the larynx superficial to the transverse arytenoid, forming an X between the two arytenoid cartilages. Each arises from the muscular process of one arytenoid cartilage and passes upward and medially to the apex of the opposite cartilage. Their contraction pulls the arytenoids together and draws their apices toward the midline, adducting the arytenoids and narrowing the laryngeal inlet. They are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X). Some of their fibres continue beyond the apex as the aryepiglottic muscle.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Muscular process of one arytenoid cartilage
Insertion
Apex of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
Action
Adducts the arytenoids and narrows the laryngeal inlet
Nerve
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X)
Attachments explained
The Oblique Arytenoid is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Muscular process of one arytenoid cartilage
Insertion
Apex of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
Action & function
When the Oblique Arytenoid contracts, it produces the following movement: Adducts the arytenoids and narrows the laryngeal inlet.
As part of the Larynx group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Oblique Arytenoid receives its nerve supply from the Recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Recurrent laryngeal nerve can weaken or paralyse the Oblique Arytenoid, impairing the movements it normally produces (adducts the arytenoids and narrows the laryngeal inlet). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Oblique Arytenoid (the OIANS method)
Picture the oblique arytenoids as the crossing X lying on top of the flat transverse arytenoid, running from the muscular process of one cartilage to the apex of the other. Their diagonal pull toward the opposite apex explains why they both adduct the arytenoids and pull down on the laryngeal inlet, tightening the sphincter of the aditus.
Layer them mentally with their neighbours: transverse arytenoid deep and horizontal, oblique arytenoids superficial and crossing, and their fibres carrying on as the aryepiglottic muscle. All share the recurrent laryngeal nerve, so learning the trio as a posterior closing sequence covers the inlet-narrowing action in one sweep.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Oblique Arytenoid located?
The Oblique Arytenoid is a muscle of the Larynx group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Oblique Arytenoid?
Muscular process of one arytenoid cartilage
What is the insertion of the Oblique Arytenoid?
Apex of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
What movements does the Oblique Arytenoid produce?
Adducts the arytenoids and narrows the laryngeal inlet
What nerve supplies the Oblique Arytenoid?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X)
Is the Oblique Arytenoid free to study in OIANS?
The Oblique Arytenoid is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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