The arytaenoideus transversus muscle is one of the muscles of the larynx. It is classified as one of the internal laryngeal muscles. With its help, the glottis narrows and enables voice production.
What is the arytaenoideus transversus muscle?
At the transition from the back of the throat to the neck is the larynx. This is instrumental in voice production. Its activity is controlled by internal as well as external laryngeal muscles. The arytaenoideus transversus muscle belongs to the inner laryngeal musculature. Together with the arytaenoideus obliquus muscle, it is responsible for closing the glottis. The larynx consists of a structure several cartilages, which are arranged vertically one above the other. The glottis is located in the lower region of the larynx. It is called the rima glottidis. The glottis is cleft-shaped and is located between the vocal folds. In the glottis there is the pars intercartilaginea. These are two paired projections that belong to the stellate cartilage. When the arytaenoideus transversus muscle contracts, it closes the glottis. This happens because the muscle activity causes the two processes to contract. This brings the vocal folds closer together and allows phonation.
Anatomy and structure
The larynx is the medical term for the larynx. Its components are various cartilages, muscles, and some fibers. Various internal as well as external laryngeal muscles provide the mobility of the larynx. The larynx can be divided into three regions. They include the supraglottis or vestibulum laryngis in the upper region, followed by the glottis or cavitas laryngis intermedia and finally the subglottis or cavitas infraglottica. The larynx has a vertical shape downward along the neck. It is created by the cartilaginous framework that is located around the larynx. Within this cartilaginous framework there are different cartilages. They are formed by the Cartilago cricoida, the Cartilago thyroidea, the Cartilago epiglottica and the Cartilagines arytaenideae. The Cartilagines arytaenideae is also called the stellate cartilage or ary cartilage. This has the processus muscularis of the stellate cartilage The course of the arytaenoideus transversus muscle begins at the
muscular process of the stellate cartilage. From there, it moves to the opposite side of the stellate cartilage to it and ends at the apex of the stellate cartilage. The supply to the transverse arytaenoid muscle is provided by two nerves. They include the inferior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Both nevus fibers are branches of the X. Cranial nerve. This is the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for supplying some areas of the head and neck region as well as the chest.
Function and tasks
The larynx is surrounded by a cartilaginous framework in four layers. Each of these layers is charged with different tasks. The lower layer of the stellate cartilage is essentially responsible for voice production. This process is called phonation. In order for humans to produce a sound, they must learn how to control and regulate the larynx. This takes place through the control of the arytenoideus transversus muscle. During tone production, areas of the stellate cartilage are contracted. This is done by the fibers of the arytenoideus transversus muscle. The fibers of the muscle run transversely and contract. During this process, the surrounding cartilages come closer together. As a result, the vocal folds also come closer. As the vocal folds come closer, it is possible to produce sounds. Phonation can thus take place. In this process, tones are produced voluntarily and intentionally regulated. The voice formation takes place. With it the human being can speak, but also produce singing tones. Phonotation as a whole, however, requires several other coordinated processes. They include proper hearing and also a continuous flow of air. This flows through the lungs, the bronchi and the windpipe, the trachea. The oral, nasal and pharyngeal cavities must be clear for this to occur. This area is called the embouchure tube because it produces the vocal sound and color. In addition to the aforementioned components, it also requires the vocal folds and the glottis. Everything interacts with each other to produce the speech sounds.
Diseases
Loss of function of the arytaenoideus transversus muscle causes hoarseness.In addition, all diseases associated with hoarseness result in vocal complaints. Hoarseness is called dysponia. It causes that the vocal cords can no longer vibrate freely. This leads to a rough, busy or scratchy voice color. Diseases that cause hoarseness include bronchitis, infections or allergies. In addition, laryngitis can occur. This is either chronic or acute and is accompanied by an irritating cough or hoarseness. Inflammation of the trachea has similar symptoms. Here, too, there is hoarseness, coughing and, in addition, narrowing of the airways. Carcinoma of the larynx, development of edema or cyst affect the vocal cords and phonation. Tobacco smoking and inhalation of toxic gases put on the vocal cords and affect their activity. If other conditions cause a patient to be intubated for an extended period of time, trauma to the larynx may occur. This trauma affects the function of the entire larynx. Trauma can also be induced in emergency situations when intubation must be performed under difficult conditions. In moments of a rescue situation, parts of the cartilage or the glottis may be damaged.
