arytenoid muscle arytenoid muscle the arytenoid muscle /ærɪˈtiːnɔɪd/ is a single muscle of the larynx. it passes from one arytenoid cartilage to the opposite arytenoid cartilage. it has oblique and transverse fibres. it is supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. it approximates the arytenoid cartilages. continuous electromyography may be used during neck surgeries such as thyroidectomy. arytenoid musclemuscles of larynx. posterior view.oblique arytenoid: the "x" in the center.transverse arytenoid: bands underneath the "x".aryepiglotticus: wraps around back.sagittal section of the larynx and upper part of the trachea. (arytenoideus visible at center right.)detailsoriginarytenoid cartilage on one sideinsertionarytenoid cartilage on opposite sidearterysuperior laryngeal arterynerverecurrent laryngeal branch of the vagusactionsapproximate the arytenoid cartilages (close rima glottis)identifierslatinmusculus arytaenoideusta98a06.2.08.012 a06.2.08.010ta22203, 2205fma46582anatomical terms of muscle structure the arytenoid muscle fills the posterior concave surface of the arytenoid cartilage. it arises from the posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage. it is inserted into the corresponding parts of the opposite arytenoid cartilage. it consists of oblique and transverse fibres. nerve supply the arytenoid muscle is supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve (cn x). this is a bilateral supply. function the arytenoid muscle approximates the arytenoid cartilages. this closes the aperture of the glottis, especially at its back part to eliminate the posterior commissure of the vocal cords. clinical significance electromyography function of the arytenoid muscle is a good method to determine function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. continuous electromyography of the arytenoid muscle can provide confidence to surgeons that the recurrent laryngeal nerve is not damaged during neck surgeries, such as thyroidectomy. other animals the arytenoid muscle is found in many animals, including dogs. additional images the cartilages of the larynx. posterior view. muscles of larynx. side view. right lamina of thyroid cartilage removed. aryepiglotic muscle muscles of the larynx, seen from above. dissection of the muscles of the palate from behind.