GENERAL INFORMATION
The arytenoid muscle refers to a group of small muscles in the larynx that play a crucial role in voice production. They control the movement of the vocal cords by opening, closing, and adjusting their tension, which helps regulate sound and pitch during speech or singing. The arytenoids are essential for both phonation and airway protection, contributing to the precise control needed for clear voice production.
ORIGIN
The arytenoid muscles originate from the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage.
INSERTION POINT
These muscles insert into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilages, which are located in the posterior part of the larynx.
MAJOR ARTERIES
- Superior Laryngeal Artery: A branch of the superior thyroid artery that supplies blood to the arytenoid muscles.
- Inferior Laryngeal Artery: Provides additional blood supply to the laryngeal structures, including the arytenoids.
NEURAL INNERVATION
- Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A branch of the vagus nerve, this nerve innervates the arytenoid muscles and is responsible for motor control of the vocal cords.
TRIGGER POINT
Tension in the arytenoid muscles can lead to voice strain, discomfort when speaking, or hoarseness. Overuse or vocal misuse can cause soreness or a feeling of tightness in the larynx, particularly when raising the voice or singing at higher pitches.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
In concentric contraction, the arytenoid muscles shorten, bringing the vocal cords together (adduction) to facilitate phonation. This action is crucial for sound production, particularly during speech and singing.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The arytenoids control the gradual lengthening of the vocal cords during an eccentric contraction, which allows the cords to separate (abduction) and relax. This process is essential for modulating volume and pitch, as well as for breathing between vocalisations.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The arytenoid muscles stabilise the vocal cords without changing length during sustained vocalisation, such as holding a note or producing steady, clear speech. This muscle is essential for voice control and endurance.
RELATED MUSCLES – SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle: Works to adduct the vocal cords.
- Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle: Responsible for the abduction of the vocal cords.
- Cricothyroid Muscle: Tenses the vocal cords to raise pitch.
- Thyroarytenoid Muscle: Helps shorten and relax the vocal cords.
ANTAGONIST
- Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle: Opposes the action of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle by abducting the vocal cords, aiding in opening the airway for breathing.
COMMON INJURIES
- Vocal Strain: Overuse or misuse of the arytenoid muscles can lead to vocal fatigue and pain, often affecting the ability to produce a clear sound.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the arytenoid region can occur due to infection or overuse, causing hoarseness and discomfort.
- Vocal Cord Paralysis: Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve can impair arytenoid function, leading to a weakened or breathy voice.
- Vocal Cord Nodules: Repeated stress on the vocal cords can cause the formation of benign nodules, often resulting from strained arytenoid muscles.
- Arytenoid Cartilage Dislocation: Rare but can occur due to trauma, causing difficulty in vocal cord movement and hoarseness.
EXERCISES
- Pitch Range Practice: Sing through your entire pitch range to engage the arytenoid muscles. This exercise helps improve flexibility and control over voice modulation.
- Humming: Hum at various pitches. This gentle exercise helps relax the arytenoid muscles and encourages smooth vocal cord adduction.
- Lip Trills: Exhale through your lips while producing sound. This exercise strengthens the arytenoid muscles by promoting controlled adduction and abduction of the vocal cords.
- Vowel Repetition: Sustain different vowel sounds (“A,” “E,” “O”) while varying pitch. This exercise helps improve vocal endurance and strengthens arytenoid function.
- Breath Control Exercises: Inhale deeply, then exhale slowly while maintaining a steady sound. This exercise enhances coordination between the arytenoid muscles and the diaphragm.
STRETCHES
- Neck Side Stretch: Gently tilt your head to one side and hold for 20-30 seconds to release tension in the neck muscles, which can relieve strain on the arytenoids.
- Neck Rotation: Slowly rotate your head in a circular motion to loosen the muscles around the larynx. This stretch can help reduce the tension that impacts vocal control.
- Jaw Stretch: Open your mouth as wide as possible and hold for a few seconds. This stretch reduces tightness around the jaw and throat, promoting better voice production.
- Tongue Stretch: Stick your tongue out and hold for 10 seconds. This stretch helps release tension in the base of the tongue and indirectly benefits the arytenoid muscles.
- Shoulder Rolls: Rotate your shoulders forward and backwards to release upper body tension that may affect the neck and laryngeal muscles.