Computation of Motion at the Cricoarytenoid Joint

One of the most controversial and least understood articulations in the entire body is the cricoarytenoid joint of the larynx. Classical descriptions of motion occurring at the joint include gliding, sliding, tilting, rocking, and horizontal rotation about a fixed point.1-3Many of the current otolaryngologic textbooks refer to motion about a vertical axis, but a brief review of the anatomy will reveal that such motion does not occur. Anatomy of the Cricoarytenoid Joint Each of the 2 pyramidal shaped arytenoid cartilages has a base, an apex, and 3 lateral surfaces. The smooth, concave posterior surface gives attachment to the arytenoideus obliquus and transversus muscles. The rough anterolateral surface is distinguished by the colliculus at the apex and 2 depressions, the fovea oblongata and the fovea triangularis which provide attachment for the vocales muscle.4The medial surface is smooth and covered by mucous membrane. The articulating facet of the