Muscle · Neck

Thyroarytenoid

Musculus thyroarytenoideus

A broad flat muscle lying inside the vocal fold itself, running backwards from the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage to the front of the arytenoid — so it forms the body of the fold rather than acting on it from outside. When it shortens it pulls the arytenoid forwards, which slackens and thickens the vocal fold; the result is a shorter, looser, more massive vibrating edge and a lower, fuller sound. It is the direct opponent of the cricothyroid, which stretches the same fold longer and thinner, and the balance struck between the two is what sets pitch. Its deepest fibres form a distinct band, the vocalis, and its highest, most lateral fibres continue on to the epiglottis.