Vestibular fold

Vestibular fold

The vestibular fold (also known as the false vocal cord) is a part of the human anatomy located in the larynx. It is a fold of mucous membrane that covers the vestibular ligament. The vestibular fold is situated above the vocal fold and is not typically used in phonation (the process of producing vocal sound).

Structure

The vestibular fold is a thick, sagittal fold of the laryngeal wall. It is covered by a mucous membrane and contains the vestibular ligament. The fold is located above the vocal fold and extends from the arytenoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage.

Function

The primary function of the vestibular fold is to protect the vocal folds. When swallowing, the vestibular folds close to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea. The vestibular folds also close during activities that generate high pressure in the thorax, such as coughing or lifting heavy objects.

While the vestibular folds do not typically contribute to phonation, they can be used to produce deep, rough sounds, such as the "death growl" often used by heavy metal vocalists.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the vestibular folds can result in a variety of medical conditions. For example, laryngitis can cause inflammation of the vestibular folds, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice. In some cases, tumors may develop on the vestibular folds, which can interfere with breathing and voice production.

See also

• Vocal fold
• Larynx
• Phonation
• Arytenoid cartilage
• Thyroid cartilage