The spelling of the word "musculus thyreoarytaenoideus externus" may seem daunting at first, but its IPA phonetic transcription helps to break it down. The "musculus" part is pronounced /ˈmʌskjʊləs/ while "thyreoarytaenoideus" is pronounced /θɪərəʊərtaɪnɔɪdiːəs/. Lastly, "externus" is pronounced /ɪkˈstɜːrnəs/. This word refers to the external thyroarytenoid muscle, which is responsible for controlling the vocal folds. While challenging to spell, it is essential to get anatomical terms right in order to communicate medical information accurately.
The term "musculus thyreoarytaenoideus externus," also known as the external thyroarytenoid muscle, is a specialized muscle located in the larynx or voice box. It is part of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, responsible for controlling vocal cord movement and voice production.
The musculus thyreoarytaenoideus externus is one of two thyroarytenoid muscles, the other being the internal thyroarytenoid muscle. In terms of anatomy, it originates from the thyroid cartilage, a shield-shaped structure that protects the vocal cords. From its point of origin, the external thyroarytenoid muscle inserts onto the arytenoid cartilages, which are small pyramid-shaped structures that play a crucial role in vocal cord adjustment for speech and breathing.
The primary function of the musculus thyreoarytaenoideus externus is to control the tension and position of the vocal cords. It assists in adduction or bringing the vocal cords closer for voice production. By altering the length and thickness of the cords, this muscle contributes to variations in pitch, volume, and timbre of the voice. Along with the internal thyroarytenoid muscle, it plays a vital role in phonation or sound production during speech and singing.
Understanding the intricate anatomy and function of the musculus thyreoarytaenoideus externus is significant in domains such as laryngology, speech pathology, and voice training. It allows specialists to diagnose and address conditions related to voice disorders, and aids in targeted interventions to improve voice quality and vocal cord function.
M. thyreoarytaenoideus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.