Oblique Part of the Cricothyroid Muscle, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the anterolateral arch of the cricoid cartilage, the oblique part of the cricothyroid muscle runs superiorly and posteriorly to insert along the inferior margin and inferior horn (cornu inferius) of the thyroid cartilage. In this lateral male view, the muscle sits superficial on the external laryngeal framework, just anterior to the cricoarytenoid joint line and immediately inferior to the thyroid lamina, with the upper laryngeal inlet capped by the epiglottis. Inferiorly, the cricoid ring continues into the tracheal cartilages, giving clear orientation to the cricotracheal junction. Functionally, the cricothyroid is the primary tensor of the vocal folds, rotating the thyroid cartilage anteroinferiorly on the cricoid to lengthen the vocal ligament and raise fundamental frequency. This is the muscle you think about when a patient develops an inability to reach high pitch after thyroidectomy, from injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve running on or near the inferior constrictor toward the superior thyroid pole. It is also a practical surface landmark for cricothyrotomy, since the cricothyroid membrane lies immediately deep to the anterior midline between thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Small space. Big consequences. Use this artwork in head and neck anatomy teaching to distinguish intrinsic laryngeal muscles from strap muscles and pharyngeal constrictors, and in otolaryngology or endocrine surgery texts when discussing superior laryngeal nerve risk and postoperative voice change. It also fits simulation manuals that pair laryngeal surface anatomy with emergency airway access. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.