Adductors of vocal cord -a) Posterior cricoarytenoidsb) Cricothyroidc) Transverse arytenoidsd) Vocalise) Lateral cricoarytenoids
**Core Concept**
The adductors of the vocal cord are muscles responsible for bringing the vocal cords together, thereby closing the glottis and controlling voice production. This function is crucial for speech, singing, and regulating airflow during breathing.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the understanding that the adductors of the vocal cord are the muscles that bring the vocal cords together. The **Lateral cricoarytenoid muscles** are the primary adductors of the vocal cord. They contract to rotate the arytenoid cartilages, thereby bringing the vocal cords together. The action of these muscles is essential for voice production and regulating the glottis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** **Posterior cricoarytenoid muscles** are actually the abductors of the vocal cord, responsible for opening the glottis and separating the vocal cords.
* **Option B:** The **Cricothyroid muscles** are involved in stretching and lengthening the vocal cords, thereby increasing pitch, but they do not adduct the vocal cord.
* **Option C:** The **Transverse arytenoid muscles** are involved in approximating the arytenoid cartilages, but they do not directly adduct the vocal cord.
* **Option D:** **Vocalis muscles** are involved in adjusting the tension of the vocal cords, but they do not adduct the vocal cord.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the mnemonic "ABCD" to recall the functions of the cricoarytenoid muscles: **A**bductors (Posterior cricoarytenoid), **B**roaden (Transverse arytenoid), **C**ricothyroids (stretch and lengthen), and **D**ivide (Lateral cricoarytenoid).
**Correct Answer: E. Lateral cricoarytenoids**