Which intrinsic muscle of the larynx is the principal tensor of the vocal cords and raises the pitch of the voice?
- A Cricothyroid ✓
- B Lateral cricoarytenoid
- C Thyroarytenoid
- D Transverse arytenoid
Correct answer: A. Cricothyroid
Explanation
Cricothyroid tilts the thyroid cartilage forward at the cricothyroid joint, increasing the distance between the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoid cartilage and thereby stretching and tensing the vocal ligaments, which raises pitch. Thyroarytenoid and its vocalis part do the opposite, relaxing the cords to lower pitch. Lateral cricoarytenoid adducts the cords and transverse arytenoid approximates them, neither changes tension as its primary action.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.