The only abductor of the vocal folds, whose paralysis leads to stridor and respiratory distress, is which muscle?
- A Posterior cricoarytenoid ✓
- B Lateral cricoarytenoid
- C Thyroarytenoid
- D Interarytenoid (transverse arytenoid)
Correct answer: A. Posterior cricoarytenoid
Explanation
The posterior cricoarytenoid is the only intrinsic laryngeal muscle that abducts (opens) the vocal folds by rotating the arytenoid cartilages laterally. Bilateral paralysis from bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury leaves the folds in or near the paramedian position, causing inspiratory stridor and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction. All other intrinsic laryngeal muscles are adductors or tensioners.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.