Each cricoarytenoid joint is a synovial joint; its cavity is surrounded by a capsular ligament lined with synovial membrane. The movements allowed at the joint are: (1) gliding, by which the arytenoid advances toward its fellow or retreats from it; (2) rotatory, by which the arytenoid cartilage rotates around a vertical axis, swinging the vocal process laterally or medially so as to open or close the rima glottidis.

The capsule is strengthened posteriorly, and forward movement of the arytenoid cartilage is thus restricted.