Neck
lateral crico-arytenoid
LAT-er-ul KRY-ko air-ih-TEE-noyd
Lateral crico-arytenoid closes vocal folds for voice and swallow.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Hoarseness related.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
Lateral cricoid cartilage
Insertion
Muscular process of arytenoid
Actions
- Adducts vocal cords
Innervation
Recurrent laryngeal (CN X)
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
Posterior cricoarytenoid
Synergists
Transverse arytenoid
Trigger Points
None.
Stretches
1N/A
Common Conditions
Vocal cord dysfunction
Anatomical Parts
Left lateral crico-arytenoidRight lateral crico-arytenoid
FAQ
Lateral cricoarytenoid function?
Closes glottis for phonation.
Exercises for lateral crico-arytenoid
8

Chin To Chest Stretch
beginner


Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back
beginner·Bodyweight


Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides
beginner·Bodyweight


Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Neck-SMR
intermediate·other


Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Side Neck Stretch
beginner
Also Works lateral crico-arytenoid
1Related Neck Muscles
arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.
Neck Pain Guide
Common causes and relief
Activities & Sports
See which activities use lateral crico-arytenoid

