The aryepiglottic muscle, or aryepiglotticus muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the larynx. The muscle originates from the

muscular process The muscular process of arytenoid cartilage is the posterolateral projection of the (short, rounded, and prominent) lateral angle of the base of the arytenoid cartilage. The muscular process gives insertion to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles ...

of arytenoid cartilage and inserts to the

aryepiglottic fold The aryepiglottic folds are triangular folds of mucous membrane of the larynx. They enclose ligamentous and muscular fibres. They extend from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages, hence the name 'aryepiglottic'. They ...

and lateral border of

epiglottis The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap in the throat that prevents food and water from entering the trachea and the lungs. It stays open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During swallowing, it closes to prevent aspiration of food in ...

. The aryepiglottic muscle is innervated by the inferior laryngeal nerve, a branch of the

recurrent laryngeal nerve The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a branch of the vagus nerve ( cranial nerve X) that supplies all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, with the exception of the cricothyroid muscles. There are two recurrent laryngeal nerves, right and ...

(a branch of the

vagus nerve The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, cranial nerve X, or simply CN X, is a cranial nerve that interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It comprises two nerves—the left and righ ...

). The muscle adducts arytenoid cartilages and acts as a sphincter on the

laryngeal inlet The laryngeal inlet (laryngeal aditus, laryngeal aperture) is the opening that connects the pharynx and the larynx. Borders Its borders are formed by: * the free curved edge of the epiglottis, anteriorly * the arytenoid cartilages, the cornicul ...

Additional images

File:Slide14sss.JPG, Aryepiglottic muscle

External links

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References

Muscles of the head and neck {{muscle-stub