What is one of the primary functions of the thyrovocalis muscle?

The thyrovocalis muscle plays a crucial role in the function of the vocal folds by maintaining vocal fold tension. This tension is essential for phonation, as it helps to adjust the pitch and quality of the voice. When the thyrovocalis contracts, it pulls the vocal folds closer together and increases their stiffness, which is necessary for producing sound of varying pitch. Maintaining appropriate tension allows for greater control over pitch modulation during speech and singing.

While other muscles are responsible for changing the length and mass of the vocal folds or acting as abductors, the thyrovocalis is specifically involved in fine-tuning the tension of the vocal folds to ensure optimal vocal performance. This function is critical for the adjustments required when producing different frequencies and qualities of sound.