Cricothyroid - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The cricothyroid is an intrinsic muscle of the larynx. It is also known as the ‘singer’s muscle‘, as it alters tone of voice and creates forceful speech by stretching and tensing the vocal ligaments. Attachments: Originates from the anterolateral aspect of the cricoid cartilage and attaches to the inferior margin and inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage. Actions: Stretches and tenses the vocal ligament Innervation: External laryngeal nerve (branch of superior laryngeal) Blood Supply: Cricothyroid artery (branch of the superior thyroid artery). Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 1The cricothyroid muscles, highlighted in red. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the function of the cricothyroid muscle? The cricothyroid muscle primarily stretches and tenses the vocal ligaments, which alters the tone of voice and enables forceful speech. This intrinsic muscle of the larynx plays a crucial role in vocal modulation. Where does the cricothyroid muscle originate and attach? The cricothyroid muscle originates from the anterolateral aspect of the cricoid cartilage and attaches to the inferior margin and inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage. These attachments allow it to effectively influence vocal cord tension. What nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle? The cricothyroid muscle is innervated by the external laryngeal nerve, a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. This innervation is essential for its function in voice modulation. What is the blood supply for the cricothyroid muscle? The blood supply to the cricothyroid muscle is provided by the cricothyroid artery, which is a branch of the superior thyroid artery. This vascular supply is vital for the muscle's metabolic needs. Why is the cricothyroid muscle referred to as the 'singer's muscle'? The cricothyroid muscle is often called the 'singer's muscle' because it plays a key role in adjusting the pitch of the voice by tensing the vocal ligaments. This ability is particularly important for singers who require precise control over their vocal tone. Rate This Article