The arytenoid ærɨˈtiːnɔɪd is a single muscle, filling up the posterior concave surfaces of the arytenoid cartilages.

It arises from the posterior surface and lateral border of one arytenoid cartilage, and is inserted into the corresponding parts of the opposite cartilage.

It consists of oblique and transverse parts.

Action

The Arytœnoideus approximates the arytenoid cartilages, and thus closes the opening of the glottis, especially at its back part to eliminate the posterior commissure of the vocal folds.