What is the Origin of Thyroarytenoid Muscle?

The name is derived from its anatomical attachments: the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoid cartilage, which form the skeletal framework of the larynx. The term is a cornerstone of anatomical and otolaryngological nomenclature. Its significance in endocrinology was established through histological studies demonstrating the presence of androgen receptors, confirming it as a key effector of hormonal voice changes during puberty and in response to exogenous hormone therapy.

What is the Mechanism of Thyroarytenoid Muscle?

Androgens, particularly testosterone, act on the thyroarytenoid muscle by binding to intracellular androgen receptors, promoting muscle hypertrophy and an increase in overall muscle fiber mass. This anabolic effect increases the bulk of the vocal folds, thereby reducing the rate of vibration and lowering the fundamental frequency of the voice, a process known as virilization. Estrogen and progesterone also influence the muscle's contractile properties indirectly by affecting local tissue hydration and blood flow, maintaining its viscoelastic balance.

Thyroarytenoid Muscle ∞ Area

Thyroarytenoid Muscle

Meaning

The thyroarytenoid muscle is the primary muscle component of the vocal folds, located within the larynx, running parallel to the vocal ligament and constituting the bulk of the true vocal fold structure. Its contraction shortens and thickens the vocal folds, which decreases tension and lowers the fundamental frequency, resulting in a deeper pitch. This muscle is a critical target for androgen action, and its morphology and function are highly sensitive to the endocrine environment, directly influencing voice quality.