A foreign body lodged in the larynx causes bilateral adduction of the vocal folds with stridor. Which laryngeal muscle is responsible for ADDUCTION of the vocal folds?
- A Posterior cricoarytenoid
- B Lateral cricoarytenoid ✓
- C Cricothyroid
- D Thyroarytenoid
Correct answer: B. Lateral cricoarytenoid
Explanation
The lateral cricoarytenoid muscle adducts the vocal folds by rotating the arytenoid cartilage medially. The posterior cricoarytenoid is the sole abductor. The cricothyroid tenses the vocal folds (raises pitch). The thyroarytenoid (vocalis) lies within the vocal fold and relaxes/shortens it. Posterior cricoarytenoid is the only abductor, making B the best answer for adduction.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.