Vocal Cords

A paired fold of thick, fibrous tissue in the back of the larynx that vibrate with the passage of air to produce sounds. The vocal cords run lengthwise in the larynx. Muscles that attach the vocal cords to the larynx contract and relax to change the tautness of the vocal cords, producing variations in sound tone and volume. The vocal cords relax during BREATHING to allow free passage of air through the larynx. The “talk test” for AEROBIC EXERCISE is an indirect measure of the volume of air flowing through the THROAT: being unable to speak during exercise means air flow is high enough that the vocal cords cannot contract.

Singing and extended talking can greatly strain the vocal cords, resulting in inflammation (LARYNGITIS) that causes the voice to sound scratchy or hoarse. Environmental irritants such as pollen or smoke can also cause laryngitis. Cigarette smoking is particularly stressful for the vocal cords, causing extended irritation that may result in chronic hoarseness and growths such as a VOCAL CORD CYST or VOCAL CORD POLYP. Cancerous tumors related to smoking can develop on the vocal cords. Loss of the vocal cords, such as due to LARYNGECTOMY (surgical removal of the larynx) for laryngeal CANCER, results in loss of the voice.