Vocal cords
.jpg)
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are integral components of the human voice box or larynx. These are twin infoldings of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx, playing pivotal roles in both respiratory protection and sound production.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Situated within the larynx, the vocal cords are constituted by a combination of muscle and elastic fiber. When observed under a microscope, their multi-layered structure is evident, consisting of an outer layer of epithelium, an intermediate lamina propria, and an innermost layer of muscle known as the thyroarytenoid muscle.
Function[edit | edit source]
Respiratory Protection[edit | edit source]
One of the primary roles of the vocal cords is to act as a protective mechanism for the respiratory system. When swallowing food or liquids, the vocal cords close tightly, ensuring that these substances do not mistakenly enter the trachea and subsequently the lungs, which could result in choking or aspiration.
Sound Production[edit | edit source]
Vocal cords are essential for phonation. When we speak or sing, air from the lungs is pushed out and channeled through the trachea and larynx. As this air flows over the vocal cords, it causes them to vibrate. By altering the tension and length of the vocal cords using surrounding muscles, different pitches and tones are produced. The sound then resonates through the vocal tract, shaping the voice we recognize.
Vocal Cord Health[edit | edit source]
Proper care and maintenance of the vocal cords are crucial for individuals, especially professionals who use their voices extensively, such as singers, teachers, or public speakers. Avoiding excessive strain, staying hydrated, and refraining from smoking are some measures to preserve vocal cord health. Conditions such as laryngitis, nodules on the vocal cords, and other disorders can impact the function of the vocal cords and, consequently, voice quality.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
