Musculus thyroarytenoideus
The thyroarytenoideus forms the body of the vocal fold. The vocalis portion originates from the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (near the ventral midline) and inserts on the muscular process and body of the arytenoid cartilage. Its actions are to adduct and tense the vocal fold for phonation (neighing, nickering) and to assist airway closure during swallowing. It is innervated by the caudal laryngeal nerve (recurrent laryngeal nerve, cranial nerve X).
Origin: Inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (near the ventral midline)
Insertion: Muscular process and body of the arytenoid cartilage
Action: Adducts and tenses the vocal fold; phonation; assists airway closure
Innervation: Caudal laryngeal nerve (recurrent laryngeal nerve, CN X)
Relevant in evaluations of laryngeal function and phonation. Dysfunction can contribute to abnormal vocalization or airway dynamics. Isolated injury is uncommon.
## Overview Vocal fold collapse is inward collapse of the vocal fold during exercise, often accompanying laryngeal hemiplegia. Atrophy of the thyroarytenoideus muscle contributes. It adds to airway o
Abnormal vocalization or respiratory noise after trauma should be evaluated.
## Overview Vocal fold collapse is inward collapse of the vocal fold during exercise, often accompanying laryngeal hemiplegia. Atrophy of the thyroarytenoideus muscle contributes. It adds to airway obstruction and causes exercise-induced respiratory noise that worsens with speed. Dynamic endoscopy diagnoses it. Treatment may include ventriculocordectomy (vocal-fold removal) along with tie-back surgery. ## Causes Often secondary to recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. ## Diagnosis Dynamic overground or treadmill endoscopy. ## Treatment Ventriculocordectomy, frequently combined with laryngoplasty. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good improvement in noise and airflow with appropriate surgery. ## Prevention None specific. Signs include: exercise-induced respiratory noise; worsens with speed; diagnosed on dynamic endoscopy; may need vocal-fold surgery with tie-back
Relevant in evaluations of laryngeal function and phonation. Dysfunction can contribute to abnormal vocalization or airway dynamics. Isolated injury is uncommon.
Abnormal vocalization or respiratory noise after trauma should be evaluated.
See the Thyroarytenoideus (Vocalis) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model