Vocal cord

Vocal cords or vocal folds are a pair of soft tissues that are found in the larynx (voice box) and are responsible for the production of sound in humans. They are essential for speech and singing.

Anatomy

The vocal cords are located in the middle part of the larynx, between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. They are attached at the back to the arytenoid cartilages, and at the front to the thyroid cartilage. They are separated from each other by a narrow gap known as the glottis.

Each vocal cord consists of a band of muscle (the vocalis muscle) covered by a layer of mucous membrane. The tension and position of the vocal cords can be altered by the action of the surrounding muscles, which allows us to control the pitch and volume of our voice.

Function

The primary function of the vocal cords is to produce sound. This is achieved by the process of phonation, in which air from the lungs is forced through the glottis, causing the vocal cords to vibrate. The resulting sound waves are then modified by the resonance of the vocal tract to produce speech or singing.

The vocal cords also play a role in protecting the airway by closing off the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and liquid from entering the lungs.

Disorders

There are several disorders that can affect the vocal cords, including nodules, polyps, cysts, laryngitis, and cancer. These can result in a range of symptoms, such as hoarseness, voice changes, pain, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Treatment for vocal cord disorders depends on the cause and may include voice therapy, medication, or surgery.

See also

• Voice
• Speech production
• Larynx
• Phonation
• Vocal cord nodule
• Vocal cord paralysis

Vocal cord Resources
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