For SLPs-Harmony in Motion: Muscles of the Larynx and Pharynx

The larynx and pharynx, integral components of the aerodigestive system, play pivotal roles in breathing, swallowing, and vocalization. At the heart of these functions are the intricate muscles that orchestrate the movements and contractions within these structures. In this blog post, we'll delve into the muscles of the larynx and pharynx, exploring their anatomy, functions, and the vital roles they play in our everyday activities.

Muscles of the Larynx

• Cricothyroid Muscle:

• Function: Responsible for adjusting vocal cord tension, influencing pitch during speech.

• Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle

• Function: Primary abductor of the vocal cords, allowing for the opening of the airway during inhalation.

• Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle

• Function: Acts as an adductor of the vocal cords, bringing them together during speech and swallowing.

• Transverse Arytenoid Muscle

• Function: Works with the lateral cricoarytenoid to adduct the vocal cords.

• Thyroarytenoid Muscle (Vocalis)

• Function: Controls the tension of the vocal cords, playing a crucial role in pitch modulation.

• Aryepiglottic Muscle

• Function: Assists in the movement of the epiglottis, protecting the airway during swallowing.

• Vocalis Muscle

• Function: Fine-tunes the tension of the vocal cords, influencing the quality of sound during speech.

Muscles of the Pharynx

• Superior Constrictor Muscle

• Function: Initiates the swallowing reflex by contracting and narrowing the upper portion of the pharynx.

• Middle Constrictor Muscle

• Function: Assists in the sequential contraction of the pharynx during the swallowing process.

• Inferior Constrictor Muscle

• Function: The lowest part of the pharyngeal constrictors, aiding in the propulsion of food into the esophagus during swallowing.

• Stylopharyngeus Muscle

• Function: Elevates the pharynx and larynx during swallowing, widening the upper part of the pharynx.

• Palatopharyngeus Muscle

• Function: Assists in narrowing the pharynx during swallowing and elevates the larynx.

• Salpingopharyngeus Muscle

• Function: Elevates the lateral walls of the pharynx during swallowing.

• Pharyngeal Muscles (Longitudinal Muscles)

• Function: Aids in shortening and widening the pharynx during swallowing.

Coordination in Action

The muscles of the larynx and pharynx work synergistically during essential functions like breathing, swallowing, and speaking. The precise coordination of these muscles ensures the seamless execution of these actions, allowing us to communicate effectively and sustain life-sustaining processes.

Ashley, SLP