Transverse Arytenoid
Larynx · Head & Neck
The transverse arytenoid is the only unpaired intrinsic muscle of the larynx, a single band of horizontal fibres bridging the backs of the two arytenoid cartilages. It arises from the posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage and inserts onto the corresponding parts of the opposite cartilage. When it contracts it slides the two arytenoids toward each other, adducting them and closing the posterior (intercartilaginous) part of the rima glottidis. It is supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X), like the other intrinsic muscles except cricothyroid. By shutting the back of the glottis it complements the lateral cricoarytenoids, which close the front.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage
Insertion
Corresponding parts of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
Action
Adducts the arytenoid cartilages, closing the posterior part of the rima glottidis
Nerve
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X)
Attachments explained
The Transverse 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
Posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage
Insertion
Corresponding parts of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
Action & function
When the Transverse Arytenoid contracts, it produces the following movement: Adducts the arytenoid cartilages, closing the posterior part of the rima glottidis.
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 Transverse 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 Transverse Arytenoid, impairing the movements it normally produces (adducts the arytenoid cartilages, closing the posterior part of the rima glottidis). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Transverse Arytenoid (the OIANS method)
Anchor the transverse arytenoid as the sole unpaired laryngeal muscle, a single horizontal strap joining the two arytenoid cartilages across the midline. Because it simply pulls the cartilages together, its action of closing the posterior part of the rima glottidis follows directly from its transverse span.
Divide the labour of glottic closure to keep the adductors straight: the transverse arytenoid seals the back (intercartilaginous) portion, while the lateral cricoarytenoids close the front (intermembranous) portion. Note that it, unlike cricothyroid, is supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the nerve shared by all the closers and the sole opener.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Transverse Arytenoid located?
The Transverse Arytenoid is a muscle of the Larynx group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Transverse Arytenoid?
Posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage
What is the insertion of the Transverse Arytenoid?
Corresponding parts of the opposite arytenoid cartilage
What movements does the Transverse Arytenoid produce?
Adducts the arytenoid cartilages, closing the posterior part of the rima glottidis
What nerve supplies the Transverse Arytenoid?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus, CN X)
Is the Transverse Arytenoid free to study in OIANS?
The Transverse 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
Study the Transverse Arytenoid
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.