What muscle does the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve innervate?

The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve specifically innervates the cricothyroid muscle. This muscle plays a crucial role in adjusting the tension of the vocal cords, thus impacting pitch. The cricothyroid muscle elevates the thyroid cartilage and stretches the vocal cords during phonation, enabling the modulation of pitch while speaking or singing.

The function of the cricothyroid muscle highlights the importance of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in the mechanics of voice production. Understanding the innervation of this muscle is essential for comprehending vocal cord function and the overall process of phonation.