Which of the following is the abductor of vocal cords?
**Core Concept:** The primary abductor of the vocal cords is the cricothyroid (CT) muscle. The CT muscle is a bilateral, paired muscle that plays a crucial role in modulating the vocal cord tension and thereby influencing the voice pitch and loudness. The muscle originates from the inferior thyroid cartilage and inserts into the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The cricothyroid muscle functions in a unique manner involving the contraction of the superior and inferior cords independently. During contraction, the superior cord shortens more than the inferior cord, causing the vocal cords to diverge, which in turn abducts the vocal cords (widens them apart). This alteration in vocal cord spacing results in an increase in vocal cord tension and a decrease in vocal cord contact area, leading to a higher pitch and increased loudness of the voice.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Option A (Hyoid Muscle):** The hyoid muscle is responsible for suspending the thyroid cartilage and is not directly involved in vocal cord abduction.
B. **Option B (Oesophageal Muscle):** The oesophageal muscle, also known as the cricopharyngeus muscle, is involved in the smooth muscle contractions of the oesophagus and does not play a significant role in vocal cord abduction.
C. **Option C (Cricothyroid Muscle):** Although the cricothyroid muscle is the primary abductor of the vocal cords, it is essential to mention that the thyroid cartilage also plays a part in vocal cord abduction due to its connection with the cricothyroid membrane.
D. **Option D (Hyoid Muscle):** Similar to option A, the hyoid muscle is responsible for suspending the thyroid cartilage and does not directly influence vocal cord abduction.
**Clinical Pearl:** A thorough understanding of the anatomy and function of the cricothyroid and hyoid muscles is crucial in assessing and diagnosing various vocal cord disorders, such as vocal cord paralysis. In cases of unilateral vocal cord paralysis, the affected vocal cord remains in contact with its contralateral counterpart, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice. In cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis, the absence of vocal cord movement results in a decreased vocal pitch and volume.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The primary abductor of the vocal cords is the cricothyroid muscle. The cricothyroid muscle contracts, causing the superior cords to shorten and the inferior cords to lengthen, which results in vocal cord abduction. The thyroid cartilage also contributes to vocal cord abduction due to its connection with the cricothyroid membrane.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The hyoid muscle is responsible for suspending the thyroid cartilage and does not directly influence vocal cord abduction.
B. The oesophageal muscle, also known as the cricopharyngeal muscle, is involved in smooth muscle contractions of the oesophagus and does not contribute to vocal cord abduction.
C. The cricothyroid