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 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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