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The Glottis. A superior view of the larynx shows the opening that exists between the medial margins of the vocal folds. This pliable opening is called the glottis.

The intrinsic laryngeal muscles open (= abduct) the glottis while breathing. The resulting triangular-shaped opening allows air to freely enter and leave the trachea and lungs.

To make voice sounds (phonation), the intrinsic muscles first close (= adduct) the glottis. Air is then forced through folds from the lungs. The moving air causes the vocal folds to vibrate and sounds to be produced.