Muscle
Thyroarytenoid
Adjusts vocal-fold length, closure and stiffness
High-yield
Shortening can reduce passive ligament tension, but active muscle contraction also changes stiffness. Thyroarytenoid therefore does not invariably lower pitch; its effect depends on the other muscles and the vibrating configuration.
Overview
Thyroarytenoid runs beside the vocal ligament from the thyroid angle toward the arytenoid. It can shorten and thicken the vocal fold while contributing to glottic closure. Its medial fibers are closely related to vocalis; superior extensions toward the epiglottis help shape the inlet.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Internal surface near the thyroid angle, with adjoining fibroelastic tissue.
- Insertion
- Anterolateral arytenoid surface, beside the vocal ligament.
- Innervation
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve, through its terminal laryngeal branches.
- Action
- Shortens and thickens the fold, assists adduction and regulates mechanical tension; thyroepiglottic fibers can help widen the inlet.
- Blood supply
- Branches of the superior and inferior laryngeal arterial network.
Clinical correlation
Denervation can reduce muscle bulk and leave an incomplete glottic seal, contributing to a weak or breathy voice. The pattern must be distinguished from structural lesions and other causes of vocal-fold immobility.
Frequently asked questions
What does the thyroarytenoid do?
Shortens and thickens the fold, assists adduction and regulates mechanical tension; thyroepiglottic fibers can help widen the inlet.
What nerve innervates the thyroarytenoid?
The thyroarytenoid is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, through its terminal laryngeal branches.
Where does the thyroarytenoid attach?
The thyroarytenoid originates from the internal surface near the thyroid angle, with adjoining fibroelastic tissue and inserts on the anterolateral arytenoid surface, beside the vocal ligament.
What is the blood supply of the thyroarytenoid?
Branches of the superior and inferior laryngeal arterial network.