Cricothyroid (Oblique Part) (Pars obliqua musculi cricothyroidei)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The oblique part of the cricothyroid is the posterolateral component of the cricothyroid muscle. Arising from the anterolateral arch of the cricoid cartilage, its fibers course posterosuperiorly to insert onto the anterior border of the inferior horn and adjacent lamina of the thyroid cartilage. It tilts the cricoid lamina backward, tensing and elongating the vocal ligaments.
Origin & insertion
From the anterolateral arch of the cricoid cartilage to the inferior horn and lower margin of the thyroid cartilage lamina.
Action
Tilts the cricoid cartilage lamina backward relative to the thyroid cartilage, stretching and elongating the vocal folds to elevate voice pitch.
Innervation
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve, cranial nerve X).
Clinical notes
Injury to the external laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery compromises cricothyroid function, leading to vocal fatigue, loss of high-register phonation, and a monotone voice.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Cricothyroid (Oblique Part)?
The oblique part of the cricothyroid is the posterolateral component of the cricothyroid muscle. Arising from the anterolateral arch of the cricoid cartilage, its fibers course posterosuperiorly to insert onto the anterior border of the inferior horn and adjacent lamina of the thyroid cartilage. It tilts the cricoid lamina backward, tensing and elongating the vocal ligaments.
Why is the Cricothyroid (Oblique Part) clinically important?
Injury to the external laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery compromises cricothyroid function, leading to vocal fatigue, loss of high-register phonation, and a monotone voice.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details