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Oblique and transverse arytenoid muscles

The oblique and transverse arytenoid muscles are intrinsic muscles of the larynx that play a key role in adduction of the vocal cords and closure of the posterior glottis. The transverse arytenoid muscle is a single, horizontal sheet connecting the posterior surfaces of the two arytenoid cartilages, lying deep in the interarytenoid space. The oblique arytenoid muscles are paired, running obliquely from the posterior surface of one arytenoid cartilage to the apex of the opposite arytenoid, forming an X-shaped configuration over the transverse muscle. Together, these muscles contribute to voice production, airway protection, and swallowing by controlling posterior glottic closure.

Function

  • Adducts the vocal cords, closing the posterior glottis

  • Assists in voice modulation and phonation

  • Protects the airway during swallowing

  • Stabilizes the arytenoid cartilages

  • Coordinates with other intrinsic laryngeal muscles for precise glottic movement

Synonyms

  • Interarytenoid muscles (collective term for oblique and transverse)

  • Posterior glottic adductors

  • Intrinsic laryngeal muscles (posterior group)

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Both oblique and transverse arytenoid muscles appear as small, linear to oblique low-to-intermediate signal intensity structures in the posterior laryngeal region, surrounded by high signal fat in the paralaryngeal space.

  • Muscle borders are well-delineated, allowing distinction from adjacent cartilage and mucosa.

T2-weighted images:

  • Muscles remain intermediate signal intensity, slightly hyperintense relative to surrounding cartilage.

  • Edema, inflammation, or injury appears as focal hyperintense signal within the muscle belly.

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Normal oblique and transverse arytenoid muscles are low-to-intermediate signal

  • Pathological changes (strain, inflammation, or denervation) appear hyperintense, highlighting muscle edema or injury.

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced):

  • Normal muscles show mild, uniform enhancement, reflecting vascular supply.

  • Pathological muscles may demonstrate heterogeneous or focal enhancement, indicating inflammation, infection, or neoplastic involvement.

CT Appearance:

  • Muscles appear as soft tissue density structures between the arytenoid cartilages in the posterior larynx.

  • Surrounded by air-filled laryngeal lumen, which provides natural contrast, making muscles distinguishable.

  • CT is excellent for assessing muscle bulk, asymmetry, calcification, or post-surgical changes.

MRI images

Oblique and transverse arytenoid muscles mri axial image -img-00000-00000