Joint
Cricoarytenoid joint
A moving joint beneath each arytenoid
High-yield
Posterior cricoarytenoid is the principal muscle that opens the vocal folds. The joint does not behave as a simple hinge rotating around one fixed vertical axis.
Overview
Each arytenoid base meets the upper lateral part of the cricoid lamina at a synovial joint. Rocking, sliding and rotational components combine to reposition the vocal process. This three-dimensional movement brings the vocal folds together or moves them apart.
Reference facts
- Joint type
- Paired synovial articulation enclosed by a capsule.
- Articulating surfaces
- Articular surface on the arytenoid base against a facet on the superior lateral cricoid lamina.
- Ligaments
- The capsule and cricoarytenoid ligament constrain displacement; neighboring vocal-ligament and conus-elasticus attachments also contribute to stability.
- Movements
- Coupled rocking, gliding and rotation reposition the arytenoid and its vocal process during vocal-fold opening and closure.
- Blood supply
- Small branches of the anastomosing laryngeal arterial network supply the capsule and adjacent tissues.
Clinical correlation
Rheumatoid inflammation can impair joint movement and cause throat discomfort or a voice change. Severe bilateral fixation near the midline can obstruct airflow and produce stridor, although many joint abnormalities do not cause this degree of obstruction.
Frequently asked questions
What type of joint is the cricoarytenoid joint?
The cricoarytenoid joint is a paired synovial articulation enclosed by a capsule.
What articulates at the cricoarytenoid joint?
The cricoarytenoid joint is formed between the articular surface on the arytenoid base against a facet on the superior lateral cricoid lamina.
What movements does the cricoarytenoid joint allow?
Coupled rocking, gliding and rotation reposition the arytenoid and its vocal process during vocal-fold opening and closure.
What ligaments support the cricoarytenoid joint?
The capsule and cricoarytenoid ligament constrain displacement; neighboring vocal-ligament and conus-elasticus attachments also contribute to stability.