One of a pair of folds of mucous membrane in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound during speech and singing.
Structure
Each vocal cord, more properly called a vocal fold, has a layered structure with a vocal ligament at its core and a thin mucosal cover that vibrates freely. The intrinsic laryngeal muscles control tension and length.
Function
During speech the cords come together and air from the lungs drives them into rapid vibration. Pitch is set by the tension on the cords, while volume depends on the air pressure beneath them.
Clinical note
Inflammation, nodules, or paralysis of a vocal cord all produce hoarseness and changes in voice quality.
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Vocal Cord starts with V and ends with D. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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