Which intrinsic muscle group primarily influences the tension of the vocal folds?

The tensor muscles play a crucial role in influencing the tension of the vocal folds. Specifically, the primary tensor of the vocal folds is the cricothyroid muscle, which adjusts the pitch of the voice by elongating and tightening the vocal folds. When these muscles contract, they increase the tension, which raises the frequency of vibration, thereby producing a higher pitch sound. This ability to modulate tension is essential for various vocal functions, including phonation and intonation.

In contrast, the other muscle groups serve different functions. The adductors are responsible for bringing the vocal folds together, which is essential for phonation but does not influence tension directly. Relaxer muscles, such as the thyroarytenoid, decrease tension on the vocal folds, allowing them to lengthen and soften the pitch. Abductors, such as the posterior cricoarytenoid, are responsible for opening the vocal folds during breathing and do not contribute to the tension adjustment of the vocal folds. Understanding the specific roles of these muscle groups highlights the importance of the tensor muscles in controlling vocal fold tension and pitch modulation.