Cricothyroid muscle
Muscle of the larynx
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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.
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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.