Variability of the Nerve Supply Patterns of the Human Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle

Abstract

Despite the variability of the innervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and its strong connection with the interarytenoid nerve, this should not preclude successful reinnervation.

Posterior Cricoarytenoid Bellies: Relationship Between Their Function and Histology

“…4,6 Furthermore, innervation studies have demonstrated a distinct innervation pattern to each PCA compartment. 7,8 Therefore, the role of the PCA might be more complex than the traditional point of view.…”

The Innervation of the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle: Exploring Clinical Possibilities

“…15 Other series have identified two to six rami from the aRLN to the PCA in a majority of cadaveric specimens. [16][17][18] Additionally, there is evidence that the PCA receives fibers that arborize from neurons directly supplying the interarytenoid (IA) muscle. [15][16][17][18][19][20] These axons are present in most specimens and may actually represent an anastomotic connection from the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), though their function is not yet elucidated fully.…”

“…[16][17][18] Additionally, there is evidence that the PCA receives fibers that arborize from neurons directly supplying the interarytenoid (IA) muscle. [15][16][17][18][19][20] These axons are present in most specimens and may actually represent an anastomotic connection from the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), though their function is not yet elucidated fully. [18][19][20][21] In perhaps the most comprehensive anatomical studies of the intrinsic laryngeal motor innervation to date, Maranillo et al elegantly delineated the branching patterns supplying both the adductor group and the PCA (abductor) muscle.…”

Anatomic study of human laryngeal ganglia: Number and distribution

“…These results and the variations of the origins of the terminal branches of the RLN (Maranillo et al, 2003(Maranillo et al, , 2005 could explain the variable position of these ganglia that have been reported in several studies (Grynfelt and Hedón, 1908;Kleinsasser, 1964;Jansen and Nettey-Marbell, 1967;Zak and Lawson, 1974). The ganglion observed by us located just before the origin of the terminal branches of the RLN may correspond to that described behind the cricothyroid joint (Kleinsasser, 1964;Lawson and Zak, 1974), whereas the ganglion located between the origins of A2 and A3 would correspond with that reported in relation to the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (Grynfelt and Hedón, 1908).…”