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The human vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the larynx, or voice box, that enable sound production. They are composed of twin infoldings of three distinct tissues: the outer layer is squamous, non-keratinizing epithelium, followed by the superficial layer of the lamina propria, and the deepest layer, the vocalis and thyroarytenoid muscles. The vocal cords open during inhalation and exhalation, and close when we swallow or talk. They are responsible for creating the unique sound of our voice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Voice box (larynx) |
| Composition | Twin infoldings of 3 distinct tissues |
| Outer layer | Squamous, non-keratinizing epithelium |
| Middle layer | Gel-like lamina propria |
| Innermost layer | Vocalis and thyroarytenoid muscles |
| Length | 12-24mm |
| Thickness | 3-5mm |
| Colour | Pearly white |
| Shape | Flat triangular bands |
| Covering | Mucous membrane |
| Functions | Produce voice, protect airway |
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What You'll Learn
Vocal cords are composed of multiple tissues and muscles
Vocal cords, or vocal folds, are two bands of muscle inside the larynx (or voice box) that enable humans to vocalize or make sounds. They are multilayered structures, consisting of a muscle covered by a mucosal lining called a mucous membrane.
The mucous membrane, or mucosa, consists of mucosal epithelium, which encases the vocal ligament and the vocalis muscle. The vocalis muscle, which is the main body of the vocal cords, finely tunes the tension of the vocal ligament, allowing us to produce highly controlled changes in the pitch of the voice, as occurs during singing. The mucosal covering also forms a well-defined 'fold' of tissue located on the left and right walls of the larynx.
The vocal folds meet anteriorly at the anterior commissure. The vocal apparatus of the human body consists of the vocal folds, the rima glottidis, and the interarytenoid fold, a posterior continuation of the vocal folds' mucous membrane enclosing the posterior aspect of the rima glottidis. The rima glottidis is the opening (aperture) between the two vocal folds.
The vocal cords are composed of twin infoldings of three distinct tissues: an outer layer of flat cells that do not produce keratin (squamous epithelium), a middle layer called the lamina propria, and an innermost muscular layer that includes the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The lamina propria is a pliable layer of connective tissue subdivided into three layers: the superficial layer (SL), the intermediate layer (IL), and the deep layer (DL). The superficial layer of the lamina propria provides a gelatinous surface upon which the vocal folds vibrate.
The vocal cords are responsible for voice and sound production. They open when we breathe and close when we swallow and talk. When we speak, our vocal cords close by meeting in the middle of our exhaled airstream and vibrate. The vibration creates the sound of our voice.
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Vocal cord length varies
The length of the vocal cords varies in both men and women, which is why the strength of their voices is different. The average vocal cord length is 1.75 to 2.5 centimetres in men and 1.25 to 1.75 centimetres in women. At birth, the length of the vocal cords is approximately 6 to 8 millimetres and grows to its adult length of 8 to 16 millimetres. However, some sources state that the adult vocal cord length can be as long as 20 millimetres in men and 15 millimetres in women.
The length and thickness of the vocal cords help determine the pitch of the voice. Thicker vocal cords produce a lower pitch, or a deep voice. The hormone testosterone thickens and lengthens vocal cords during puberty, resulting in deeper voices. This process occurs in males and, to a lesser extent, in females assigned at birth and others such as intersex individuals. Conversely, females who receive testosterone as part of masculinizing hormone therapy will experience a deepening of their voices.
Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two muscular bands inside the voice box (larynx) that vibrate and produce the sound of your voice. They are constructed from epithelium and have a few muscle fibres in them, namely the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The vocalis muscle tightens the front part of the ligament near the thyroid cartilage, while the thyroarytenoid muscles form the body of the vocal folds and are the most dense portion of the vocal fold.
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Vocal cords are involved in respiration
Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two bands of muscle inside the larynx (voice box) that enable humans to vocalize or make sounds. The larynx is a part of the respiratory system and is a tube that lets air pass from the pharynx (throat) to the trachea (windpipe) and then to the lungs. The vocal cords open when we breathe to allow air to flow freely and close when we swallow, talk, or cough to prevent food, liquid, or foreign substances from entering the windpipe.
The vocal cords are composed of twin infoldings of three distinct tissues: an outer layer of flat cells (squamous epithelium), a middle layer called the lamina propria, and an innermost muscular layer that includes the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The vocalis muscle, which is the main body of the vocal cords, tightens the ligament near the thyroid cartilage. The thyroarytenoid muscles form the body of the vocal folds and cause them to vibrate more slowly, thus lowering the pitch. The mucous membrane, a moist protective lining, covers the vocal cords.
The length and thickness of the vocal cords varies across different individuals. The average length is between 1.75 and 2.5 centimeters, while the thickness is between 3 and 5 millimeters. These lengths are influenced by hormones, specifically testosterone, which causes changes in the cartilages and musculature of the larynx during puberty. The vocal cords of females tend to be shorter than those of males, contributing to the difference in voice pitch between the sexes.
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is a condition where the vocal cords do not open fully when breathing in, leading to blocked airways and difficulty breathing. Treatment options include respiratory retraining therapy, which involves breathing exercises taught by speech-language pathologists to help manage breathing during VCD episodes. Pulmonary function tests and spirometry are also used to assess lung function and rule out other conditions like asthma. While there is no cure for VCD, healthcare providers can help identify triggers and recommend treatments to manage symptoms.
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Vocal cord injuries can cause breathing difficulties
The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the larynx (voice box) that allow us to vocalise or make sounds. They are constructed from epithelium and have a few muscle fibres in them, including the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The vocalis muscle tightens the ligament near the thyroid cartilage, while the thyroarytenoid muscles form the body of the vocal folds themselves.
Another condition that can affect breathing is vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). This occurs when the vocal cords or other parts of the voice box do not function correctly. With VCD, the vocal cords do not open fully when breathing in, making it difficult to move air into the lungs. Respiratory retraining therapy, such as breathing exercises taught by speech-language pathologists, can help manage VCD episodes.
Laryngitis, an inflammation of the vocal cords, can also cause breathing difficulties. The vocal cords swell, which can lead to a narrowing of the airway and subsequent breathing problems.
In summary, vocal cord injuries or conditions that affect the proper functioning of the vocal cords can lead to breathing difficulties. These difficulties can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. It is important to seek medical advice if any breathing problems occur as a result of vocal cord issues.
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Vocal cord disorders can cause involuntary movements
Vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the larynx (voice box) that enable sound production. They are constructed from epithelium and contain a few muscle fibres, including the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The vocalis muscle tightens the ligament near the thyroid cartilage, while the thyroarytenoid muscles form the body of the vocal folds and cause them to vibrate.
Another vocal cord disorder that can lead to involuntary movements is vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), also known as inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) or paradoxical vocal cord movement. VCD occurs when the vocal cords or other parts of the voice box malfunction, causing the voice box to close during inhalation instead of remaining open. This results in breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. While VCD episodes are not life-threatening, they can be frightening and stressful for those experiencing them.
In clinical practice, involuntary vocalisations are often associated with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. They can also be observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as during sleep in cases of night terrors or sleep-related hypermotor seizures.
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Frequently asked questions
Vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside your voice box (larynx) that allow you to vocalize or make sounds.
Vocal cords are composed of twin infoldings of three distinct tissues: an outer layer of flat cells that do not produce keratin (squamous epithelium), a middle layer called the lamina propria, and an innermost muscular layer that includes the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles.
Vocal cords open when you breathe and close when you swallow and talk. When you speak, your vocal cords close and meet in the middle of your exhaled airstream, vibrating to create the sound of your voice.
While you can't strengthen your vocal cords, you can strengthen your technique. Any strong singing will involve contracted vocal folds.
