Which muscle attachment is characteristic of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles?

The characteristic attachment of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles is indeed to the outside of the larynx. These muscles play a crucial role in the overall positioning and movement of the larynx during various activities such as swallowing and phonation. By attaching to structures outside the larynx, such as the hyoid bone and other neck structures, they are able to influence the height and tension of the larynx, which in turn affects voice production and airway protection.

Extrinsic muscles are distinct from intrinsic muscles, which are directly involved in controlling the vocal cords and are located within the larynx itself. The attachment of extrinsic muscles allows for more global movements of the larynx rather than local adjustments to the vocal folds. This broad control is essential for functions that extend beyond phonation to include breathing and swallowing.