The term Thyroarytenoid refers to a pair of muscles located in the larynx or voice box. The word is pronounced /ˌθaɪroʊ.əˌrɪtəˈnɔɪd/ and is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols. The first part of the word "Thyro" comes from the thyroid cartilage, which is one of the largest cartilages in the larynx. "Arytenoid" refers to the pair of pyramid-shaped cartilages that sit on top of the cricoid cartilage in the larynx. Together, these two parts help control the movements of the vocal cords, which play a critical role in speech production.
The thyroarytenoid is a term used in medical anatomy to refer to a pair of muscles located within the larynx or voice box. It is also commonly known as the vocalis muscles. Comprised of two separate but closely related muscle components, these muscles extend vertically within the larynx on each side, and are responsible for modulating vocal pitch, tensing the vocal cords, and controlling voice production.
The thyroarytenoid muscles are important for vocalization as they regulate the length and tension of the vocal folds, which directly impacts the quality and pitch of the voice. These muscles are primarily under voluntary control and are activated during speech, singing, and other phonation activities.
The thyroarytenoid muscles are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve, specifically the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. This nerve supply allows for the voluntary control necessary for precise vocal adjustments.
In terms of function, the thyroarytenoid muscles work in tandem with other laryngeal muscles to coordinate phonation and vocalization. Their contraction causes the vocal cords to shorten and thicken, resulting in lower vocal pitch, while their relaxation allows for higher vocal pitch and vibratory flexibility.
Relating to the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thyroarytenoid" has its roots in Greek and Latin. Here is a breakdown of its etymology:
1. "Thyro-": This prefix is derived from the Greek word "thyreos", meaning "shield", and is related to the thyroid cartilage. It can also refer to the thyroid gland in the neck.
2. "Aryteno-": This prefix is derived from the Greek word "arytenes", meaning "ladle-shaped". It refers to the arytenoid cartilages, which are small, ladle-shaped structures located in the larynx.
3. "-oid": This suffix comes from the ancient Greek word "eides", meaning "resembling" or "in the shape of". It is used to depict something as being similar to or having the form of something else.