The cricothyroid muscle is the only tensor muscle of the larynx aiding with phonation. It is innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve. Its action tilts the thyroid cartilage forward to help tense the vocal cords, thus increasing the pitch of the voice.
Structure The cricothyroid muscle is a fan-shaped muscle situated at the outer surface of the larynx.
Origin The cricothyroid muscle originates from the anterolateral aspect of the cricoid cartilage.
Insertion The cricothyroid muscle splits into two groups or parts. The oblique part travels posterolaterally and inserts onto the inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage. The straight part travels posterosuperiorly and inserts onto the inferior margin of the lamina of the thyroid cartilage.
Innervation The cricothyroid muscle is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (a branch of the vagus nerve). It is the only muscle innervated by this nerve.
Function The cricothyroid muscle produces tension and elongation of the vocal cords. They draw up the arch of the cricoid cartilage and tilt back the upper border of the cricoid cartilage lamina. The distance between the vocal processes and the angle of the thyroid is increased, elongating and thus tensing the vocal folds, thereby resulting in higher pitch phonation. They work as antagonists to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles.
Clinical significance The cricothyroid muscles may be injected with botulinum toxin whilst treating spasmodic dysphonia. This is usually performed under guidance from electromyography.
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See also Cricothyroid ligament Larynx Vocal fold Thyroid cartilage Vocology - science and practice of voice habilitation Adam's apple Phonation National Center for Voice and Speech Cricothyroid approximation
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