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Vocal and Vestibular Folds.

Projecting medially into the lumen of the larynx are two sets of vocal folds, which extend from the back of the thyroid cartilage to the front of the arytenoid cartilage.

The inferior pair, called the vocal folds (= true folds or cords), consist of connective tissues, muscles, and an elastic vocal ligament that vibrates to produce voice sounds. The surfaces of the vocal folds are covered by a protective layer of stratified squamous epithelium.

Directly above the vocal folds are the vestibular folds (= false folds). Each fold is formed by a thick layer of respiratory mucosa and a supportive vestibular ligament. The vestibular folds are not directly involved in the process of voice production. Instead, they help lubricate and protect the vocal folds and help keep food from entering the lower respiratory tract organs.