Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscles (PCA)

Term Category: Anatomy

The Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscles (PCAs) are the sole vocal fold abductors, separating the vocal folds during inhalation by rotating the arytenoid cartilages laterally. The PCA’s additionally pull the arytenoid cartilages back, lengthening the vocal folds. The PCA’s originate from the posterior aspect of the cricoid cartilage and insert into the superior, posterior, and lateral aspects of the arytenoid cartilage.