thyroarytenoidus

The thyroarytenoid muscle, also known as the vocalis muscle, is a muscle located within the larynx. It is composed of two main parts, the thyroarytenoid proper and the vocalis muscle, which lie parallel to each other. This muscle originates from the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage and inserts onto the lateral surface of the arytenoid cartilage.

The primary function of the thyroarytenoid muscle is to alter the tension and shape of the vocal folds. By contracting, it can shorten and thicken the vocal folds, which is crucial for producing lower-pitched sounds. Furthermore, the vocalis portion, which runs along the vocal fold itself, can make fine adjustments to the vocal fold's tension, enabling precise control over pitch and vocal quality. This muscle plays a significant role in phonation, contributing to the nuances of the human voice. It works in conjunction with other laryngeal muscles to produce a wide range of vocalizations.