The lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are a pair of muscles within the larynx which bring together (adduct) the vocal folds (vocal cords) by rotation and forward rocking of the arytenoid cartilages on the cricoarytenoid joint. As can be seen in the upper diagram, each muscle arises from the upper border of the cricoid cartilage and inserts onto the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. The movement of the arytenoid cartilages caused by contraction of the lateral cricoarytenoids is shown in the lower diagram.

 

Adduction of the arytenoid cartilages, and consequent adduction of the vocal folds and closing of the rima glottidis, caused by contraction of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles.

 

See also abduction and adduction of vocal folds.