The Musculus aryepiglotticus is a special muscle that is usually counted among the muscles of the larynx. The aryepiglotticus muscle is comparatively small and flat. In principle, it belongs to the internal musculature of the laryngeal region.
What is the aryepiglotticus muscle?
The aryepiglotticus muscle belongs to the so-called laryngeal musculature. Specifically, the muscle is located in the inner region of the laryngeal muscles. In general, it is a relatively small and delicate muscle. The aryepiglotticus muscle originates from the upper area of the so-called stellate cartilage. This cartilage is usually referred to in medical terminology by the name Cartilago arytaenoidea. In its further course, the aryepiglotticus muscle moves up to the so-called plica aryepiglottica. This is located at the lateral section of the epiglottis. In principle, the aryepiglotticus muscle continues the arytaenoideus obliquus muscle.
Anatomy and structure
The aryepiglotticus muscle is located near the human larynx. This is because the aryepiglotticus muscle represents an essential element of the internal muscles of the larynx. For this reason, the aryepiglotticus muscle is located in the anterior part of the neck. The size of the aryepiglotticus muscle is comparatively small. In addition, the muscle is relatively thin and narrow in shape. The aryepiglotticus muscle is usually innervated by two particular nerves. These two nerves are the so-called inferior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It should be noted that the laryngeal nerve originates from the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Basically, the aryepiglotticus muscle is closely related to numerous other muscles of the internal musculature of the larynx. Disturbances in the sensitive system of the laryngeal musculature lead, for example, to impairments of the voice of the affected persons. The respective complaints make themselves felt in the individual case by a variety of typical symptoms.
Function and tasks
The aryepiglotticus muscle performs various important functions and tasks in connection with the internal musculature of the larynx. In this way, the aryepiglotticus muscle contributes to the functioning of the vocal organ. Basically, the aryepiglotticus muscle causes a constriction at the beginning of the larynx. This area is called aditus laryngis in medical terminology. In addition, the aryepiglotticus muscle promotes the ordinary movements of the epiglottis in a certain direction. Basically, the most important functions of the aryepiglotticus muscle are deglutation and phonation. Deglutation is primarily the process of swallowing, such as saliva or food. As part of laryngeal elevation during swallowing, the epiglottis is lowered, moving over the entrance to the larynx. This process occurs due to two triggers in particular. On the one hand, the base of the tongue shifts backward during the swallowing process. On the other hand, the thyrohyoid muscle contracts. Special fibers of the aryepiglotticus muscle cause the vestibule of the larynx to narrow. In addition, the epiglottis and the stellate cartilages move toward each other. The aryepiglotticus muscle also plays an important role in connection with phonation. Here, the aryepiglotticus muscle performs important tasks in the anterior tension chain. This is an arrangement of specific muscles that work together to constrict and close the so-called vocal tract. By bringing the epiglottis and the stellate cartilage closer together, a shortening of the vocal folds occurs. In this way, the effect of the vocalis muscle is weakened. In addition, the effect of the cricothyroid muscle ceases. To compensate for this, it is necessary for the vocalis muscle to regulate both vocal frequency and volume. To do this, the muscle would have to make an enormous effort. As a result, a so-called oval glottic cleft may form. The constriction of the vestibule is necessary for certain types of singing. For example, the constricting action of the aryepiglotticus muscle is necessary for singing with a loud voice.
Diseases
In connection with the Musculus aryepiglotticus, various clinical pictures and complaints come into question, which arise in some persons under certain circumstances. Because the aryepiglotticus muscle is an essential component of the internal musculature of the larynx, injury or impairment of any other kind adversely affects the voice of affected individuals. This is because the larynx represents the most important vocal organ of the human organism. Disturbances in the sensitive interaction of the individual muscles and nerves located in the area of the larynx may lead to considerable difficulties of the voice. Apart from the direct effect on the voice in the case of an impairment of the aryepiglotticus muscle, disorders of the muscle may also lead to problems in the swallowing process. This is because during the process of swallowing, the aryepiglotticus muscle performs essential tasks in the area of the larynx. In principle, all complaints in connection with the laryngeal muscles should be clarified as soon as possible by a suitable physician. If an exact diagnosis and timely treatment are not made, chronic complaints of the laryngeal musculature may develop. The complex interaction of the laryngeal musculature and the aryepiglotticus muscle must be protected in the event of illness by adequate therapeutic measures and sparing of the voice.
