Vocal Cords (Vocal Folds) & Vestibular Folds of the Larynx

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update: Dec 20th, 2022

The vocal folds (also known as vocal cords) are two pairs of flexible bands of tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.

• Each fold extends from the back of the thyroid cartilage to the front of the arytenoid cartilage.

• The inferior set of folds are called the vocal folds or vocal cords (= true vocal folds).

• A narrow vocal ligament is embedded in each vocal fold. These elongated bands of elastic tissue vibrate to produce voice sounds (= phonation).

Have you been making any of these common anatomy learning mistakes?

• Unlike the rest of the larynx, the surfaces of the vocal folds are covered by a protective layer of stratified squamous epithelium.
• Superior to the vocal folds are the  vestibular folds  (= false folds or ventricular folds).

• Each vestibular fold is formed by a thick layer of mucous membrane (= respiratory membrane) and a supportive vestibular ligament.

• The vestibular folds are not directly involved in the process of voice production.
• Instead, they lubricate the vocal folds with mucous sections and help prevent food from entering the lower respiratory tract organs.

An Overview of Vocal Cord Anatomy:

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