Question

What is the tensor of vocal cords?

• A. Cricothyroid
• B. Lateral Cricoarytenoid
• C. Thyroarytenoids
• D. Posterior cricoarytenoids

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The tensor of the vocal cords is the muscle responsible for adjusting the tension and length of the vocal cords, which affects the pitch of the sound produced. The correct answer to which muscle acts as the tensor of the vocal cords is the Cricothyroid muscle.

Here is how the Cricothyroid muscle functions as the tensor:

• The Cricothyroid muscle is located in the larynx and connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage.
• When this muscle contracts, it tilts the thyroid cartilage forward and down.
• This movement increases the tension on the vocal cords by stretching them, leading to a higher pitch of sound.

In contrast, the other options have different functions:

• Lateral Cricoarytenoid: This muscle adducts (closes) the vocal cords.
• Thyroarytenoids: This pair of muscles can relax the vocal cords and contribute to lowering the pitch.
• Posterior Cricoarytenoids: These muscles abduct (open) the vocal cords, facilitating breathing.

Therefore, the role of the Cricothyroid is specifically to adjust the tension of the vocal cords, making it the correct answer.