Transverse Arytenoid Muscle, Superior View

Description

Centered in a superior view of the male larynx, the paired arytenoid cartilages sit posterior to the membranous vocal folds and flank the posterior rima glottidis. Spanning between them, the transverse arytenoid (arytenoideus transversus) forms a horizontal band across the posterior aspect of the glottis, lying deep to the laryngeal mucosa and contiguous laterally with the oblique arytenoid fibers. Anterior to this posterior bridge, the true vocal folds extend toward the thyroid cartilage, while the posterior lamina of the cricoid cartilage provides the inferior framework beneath the arytenoid bases. Clear landmarks. Functionally, this top down perspective isolates the key mechanics of posterior glottic closure: transverse arytenoid adduction draws the arytenoids medially, reducing the intercartilaginous gap that persists when only the lateral cricoarytenoid acts. That distinction matters in clinical voice work, because glottic insufficiency from recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis often leaves a characteristic posterior chink and breathy dysphonia despite preserved membranous fold approximation. The same anatomy guides posterior glottic assessment during microlaryngoscopy and informs injection laryngoplasty planning when incomplete arytenoid approximation contributes to aspiration risk. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and head and neck modules to teach intrinsic laryngeal muscles alongside the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages, or in otolaryngology and speech language pathology materials covering phonation, airway protection, and patterns of vocal fold closure. It also fits operative atlases and patient education on vocal fold paralysis, posterior glottic stenosis, and endoscopic landmarks for transoral laryngeal surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.