Question

Which are characteristics of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?

1) They control the position and tension of the vocal folds.
2) They are responsible for the production of sound.
3) They are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
4) They are extrinsic muscles of the larynx.
5) They assist in swallowing.

Answer 1

The intrinsic muscles of the larynx control vocal fold position and tension, produce sound, and receive innervation from the recurrent laryngeal nerve. They are intrinsic, not extrinsic, to the larynx and assist in swallowing by closing the larynx.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx include 1) controlling the position and tension of the vocal folds, 2) being responsible for the production of sound, and 3) being innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Contrary to one of the options provided, these muscles are not the extrinsic muscles of the larynx but rather are intrinsic. Additionally, while the extrinsic muscles of the larynx assist in swallowing, the intrinsic muscles also play a role in this function by helping to close the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the trachea.