The vocalis is the superior medial or internal portion of the thyroarytenoid muscle which arises from the vocal ligament and inserts into the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage. It is sometimes referred to as the thyrovocalis or superior vocalis subcompartment of the thyroarytenoid muscle. This area has a much higher concentration of muscle spindles than the rest of the thyroarytenoid muscle suggesting a more specialized function.