The vocalis is the medial portion of the thyroarytenoid, forming the muscular core of the membranous vocal fold. It is the primary vibrating structure of voice production, with its mucosal cover (the epithelium and lamina propria) completing the layered vocal fold structure responsible for phonation.
An expanded entry for Vocalis Muscle.
| Origin | Inner surface of the thyroid cartilage angle, lower half, medial fibres of thyroarytenoid |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Vocal process and lateral surface of the arytenoid cartilage |
| Nerve Supply | Recurrent laryngeal nerve (CN X) |
| Blood Supply | Laryngeal branch of inferior thyroid artery |
| Actions |
|
|---|
It adjusts the tension and thickness of the vocal fold, allowing fine control of pitch and voice quality.
Vocalis scarring from vocal fold surgery, haemorrhage, or granuloma produces dysphonia by stiffening the vocal fold cover-body interface. Sulcus vocalis (a furrow in the vocal fold) involves vocalis surface changes producing a stiff, breathy voice. In professional voice users, even minor vocalis changes produce significant vocal quality deterioration. Laryngeal EMG of the vocalis assesses RLN integrity and predicts recovery from vocal fold paralysis.
Not externally palpable, assessed by laryngoscopy showing the vibrating vocal fold edge during phonation.
Post-operative vocalis fibrosis from cordectomy or vocal fold surgery producing stiffened vocal fold vibration, manifesting as a rough, breathy voice requiring steroid injection or microsurgical scar lysis.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
