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Muscles/Neck

Neck

Transverse arytenoid

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The transverse arytenoid is a single small muscle between the arytenoid cartilages in your larynx (voice box). It pulls them together to close the vocal folds for phonation and swallowing. Vital for voice production and airway protection, though not directly trained in fitness.

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Common Pain & Injury

Rarely causes isolated pain; issues arise with laryngospasm or vocal strain, feeling like throat tightness. See a doctor for persistent hoarseness or swallowing difficulty, indicating possible vocal cord disorders.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Lateral surface of one arytenoid cartilage (voice box structure).

Insertion

Medial surface of opposite arytenoid cartilage.

Actions

  • Adducts vocal folds (closes glottis for voice and swallowing)

Innervation

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Posterior cricoarytenoid

Synergists

Lateral cricoarytenoidOblique arytenoid

Trigger Points

Not well-documented for this small muscle; vocal strain may refer pain to throat.

Stretches

1Neck tilt stretch
2Laryngeal relaxation exercises
3Yawn-sigh technique

Common Conditions

LaryngospasmVocal cord dysfunctionArytenoid dislocation

Anatomical Parts

Transverse arytenoid

FAQ

What does transverse arytenoid do?

Closes vocal folds together for speaking, singing, and swallowing protection.

Transverse arytenoid function?

Adducts arytenoid cartilages to narrow glottis in the larynx.

Arytenoid muscle pain?

Rare; usually from vocal overuse, feels like throat tightness.

Exercises for Transverse arytenoid

8

Also Works Transverse arytenoid

1

Related 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 Transverse arytenoid

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide