The cricothyroid muscle is a small muscle located in the neck, specifically between the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. It plays a crucial role in adjusting the tension of the vocal cords, which is essential for producing different pitches of sound during speech and singing. When the cricothyroid muscle contracts, it tilts the thyroid cartilage forward, elongating the vocal cords. This action increases the pitch of the voice. Conversely, when the muscle relaxes, the vocal cords return to a shorter length, lowering the pitch. This muscle is vital for vocal modulation and clarity.