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The human vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the voice box (larynx) that allow us to vocalize 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 muscle is the most dense portion of the vocal fold and controls the movement of the vocal folds. The vocal cords also function as a sphincter, protecting the airway during respiration. The cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles work together to create different pitches. The vocal cords are surrounded by laryngeal cartilages, which separate into two groupings: the unpaired thyroid and cricoid cartilages, and the paired arytenoid, cuneiform, and corniculate cartilages.
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What You'll Learn
Vocal cords are made up of muscle fibres, including the vocalis muscle
The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the larynx, or voice box, that enable humans to vocalise and make sounds. They are constructed from epithelium and contain a few muscle fibres, including the vocalis muscle. The vocalis muscle tightens the front part of the ligament near the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid cartilage is the top ring of the trachea, and the vocal cords attach at the inside of the thyroid notch. The vocalis muscle is the innermost layer of the vocal cords, running the entire length of the vocal fold, from the thyroid cartilage to the arytenoid cartilage.
The vocal cords are surrounded by laryngeal cartilages, which include three large unpaired cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis) and three smaller paired cartilages (arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform). The arytenoid cartilages are particularly important for vocal cord movement, as they can rock, glide, and pivot, controlling the movement of the vocal folds. The vocal cords are attached at the back to the arytenoid cartilages and at the front to the thyroid cartilage via Broyles ligament. The arytenoid cartilages also serve as an attachment for intrinsic laryngeal muscles.
The vocal cords are also surrounded by a mucous membrane covering, which is divided into three sections: deep, intermediate, and superficial. The mucosal covering varies in stiffness, with the stiffest portion surrounding the muscle and the outermost layer being quite floppy. The vocal cords are constructed from epithelium, which has three basic layers: an outer layer of cells called the 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 composed of ground substances such as hyaluronic acid, fibronectin, fibroblasts, elastic fibres, and collagenous fibres. The hyaluronic acid content is high, which is essential to vocal biomechanics as it provides viscosity and elasticity.
The vocal cords are involved in several functions beyond vocalisation. They protect the airway by coughing if something moves towards the airway that shouldn't be there. During swallowing, the vocal cords close to prevent food, liquid, or foreign substances from travelling into the windpipe. The epiglottis also serves as a protective swallowing mechanism by folding backward over the glottis during a swallow. The vocal cords also function as a sphincter, preventing the inhalation of liquid or particles through the lower air respiratory tract and into the lungs.
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The thyroid cartilage and cricothyroid muscle affect pitch and phonation
The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the voice box (larynx) that allow us to vocalise or make sounds. The vocal cords are surrounded by three large unpaired cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis) and three smaller paired cartilages (arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform). The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage in the laryngeal framework and consists of two lamina that converge anteriorly to form a triangular shape. The angle between the lamina varies from 90 degrees in men to 120 degrees in women, resulting in the more prominent laryngeal prominence, or Adam's apple, in men.
The thyroid cartilage and cricothyroid muscle play a crucial role in pitch and phonation. The cricothyroid joint allows the thyroid cartilage to tilt anteriorly and inferiorly with cricothyroid muscle contraction. This movement results in the lengthening of the vocal folds, which increases pitch. The cricothyroid muscle pulls the thyroid cartilage down and forward on its hinge, increasing the distance between the arytenoids and the thyroid notch (the Adam's apple). This action lengthens and tightens the vocal folds, causing them to vibrate more rapidly and produce a higher pitch.
The cricothyroid muscle is unique among the intrinsic muscles of the larynx in that it is innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve (external branch) rather than the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The cricothyroid membrane, which is formed by the cricothyroid muscle, extends superiorly from the cricoid arch and thickens to create the vocal ligament within the thyroid space. The vocal ligament attaches to the thyroid cartilage anteriorly and the vocal process of the arytenoid posteriorly, providing the foundation for the vocal fold.
The thyroid cartilage and cricothyroid muscle work together to enable a wide range of vocal sounds. The contraction of the cricothyroid muscle and the resulting movement of the thyroid cartilage allow for the adjustment of vocal fold length and tension, influencing the pitch and quality of the produced sound. This mechanism is essential for speech, singing, and creating various vocal expressions.
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Vocal cords protect the airway during respiration
The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the larynx, or voice box, that enable us to vocalize or make sounds. They are located in the larynx, just above the trachea, and vibrate when we speak, sing, shout, or vocalize in any other way. The vocal cords are protected by a mucous membrane and consist of three basic layers: an outer layer of cells called the epithelium, a middle layer called the lamina propria, and an innermost muscular layer that includes the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles.
The vocal cords are essential for respiration, and they protect the airway during inhalation and exhalation in several ways. Firstly, during regular breathing, the vocal cords are relaxed and open, allowing for the free flow of air through the laryngeal cavity and into the lower respiratory tract. The vocal cords open when we breathe in and out, and they close when we swallow and talk, preventing food, liquid, or foreign substances from entering the windpipe. The vocal cords also protect the airway by triggering a cough reflex when something enters the airway that shouldn't be there, helping to clear the airway.
In addition to these protective functions, the vocal cords also control airflow by spreading apart to allow a steady stream of air during inhalation and exhalation. When we vocalize, the vocal cords come together, trapping air and creating pressure. This pressure, combined with the vibration of the vocal cords, produces sound. The pitch of the sound can be altered by changing the position and tension of the vocal cords.
Despite their small size, the vocal cords play a crucial role in our respiratory and vocal health. They can be damaged by overuse, such as spending too much time at the top or bottom of our vocal range (yelling or whispering), or by external factors such as smoke, chemicals, and certain medications. Conditions such as vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) or inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) can cause the vocal cords to not open fully during inhalation, blocking the airways and making breathing difficult. It is important to take care of one's vocal cords by avoiding strain, staying hydrated, and limiting exposure to irritants.
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Laryngitis is a common condition that affects the vocal cords
The vocal cords are two bands of muscle inside the voice box (larynx) that enable us to vocalise or make sounds. They are constructed from epithelium and have a few muscle fibres in them, including the vocalis muscle, which tightens the front part of the ligament near the thyroid cartilage, and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The thyroid cartilage is attached to the outer edges of the vocal cords.
Laryngitis usually goes away on its own and doesn't cause complications. Self-care methods such as voice rest, drinking fluids, and humidifying the air can help improve symptoms. It is important to avoid whispering, as it puts more strain on the voice than normal speech. If laryngitis symptoms last more than two weeks, it is recommended to see a doctor to rule out any more serious causes.
To prevent laryngitis, it is advisable to avoid yelling, singing loudly, or overusing the voice, and to refrain from smoking. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants, such as dust, can also irritate the larynx and lead to chronic laryngitis.
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Vocal cord length and thickness determine pitch
Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two bands of muscle inside the voice box (larynx) that enable us to vocalise or make sounds. The voice box sits on top of the windpipe (trachea), the tube that allows air to flow to and from the lungs. When we breathe in, our vocal cords open to allow air to flow freely, but when we speak, they meet in the middle of our exhaled airstream and vibrate, creating the sound of our voice.
The length and thickness of vocal cords determine an individual's pitch, with thicker vocal cords producing a lower pitch or deeper voice. When we are born, our vocal cords are around 6 to 8 millimetres long, growing to between 8 and 16 millimetres by adulthood. During puberty, testosterone causes the vocal cords of adolescent boys to thicken and lengthen, resulting in deeper voices. This process also occurs in females, although to a lesser extent.
The pitch of the sound produced by vocal cords can be altered by changing the position and tension of the folds. The muscles in the larynx lengthen and shorten the cords to change the pitch. The larynx's ability to stretch the vocal cords, as well as the cords' molecular composition, enables humans to produce a wide range of sound frequencies.
The vocal cords are constructed from epithelium and contain a few muscle fibres, including the vocalis muscle, which tightens the ligament near the thyroid cartilage. The vocalis muscle is the main body of the vocal cords and is covered by the mucosa, which consists of the epithelium and the lamina propria. The latter is a layer of connective tissue subdivided into three layers: the superficial layer (SL), the intermediate layer (IL), and the deep layer (DL). The SLP has fewer elastic and collagenous fibres than the two other layers, making it looser and more pliable.
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Frequently asked questions
Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds or vocal chords, are two bands of muscle inside your voice box (larynx) that allow you to vocalize or make sounds.
Yes, vocal cords are composed of muscle fibres, including the vocalis muscle and thyroarytenoid muscle.
Vocal cords produce the unique sound that you and others recognize as your voice. They also have other functions, such as protecting the airway during respiration and facilitating swallowing.
Vocal cords produce sound through vibration. When you speak, your vocal cords close and meet in the middle of your exhaled airstream, causing them to vibrate and create the sound of your voice.
Yes, the movements of the vocal cords are controlled by the joints and muscles of the larynx. The pitch of the sound produced can be altered by changing the position and tension of the vocal cords.
