30/09/2026
Your voice is created by two tiny folds of tissue—but millimeter-level changes in their position can completely change sound, airflow, and even airway protection. 🎙️🫁
The true vocal folds stretch from the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage anteriorly to the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages posteriorly. Between them lies the rima glottidis, the opening through which air passes.
🔹 During breathing
The vocal folds move apart (abduction) to keep the airway open and allow air to flow into the lungs.
🔹 During speech
They move toward each other (adduction). Air from the lungs passes between them, causing vibration and generating the basic sound of the voice. The tongue, lips, palate, and pharynx then shape that sound into speech.
🔹 Pitch and tension
The cricothyroid muscle lengthens and increases tension in the vocal folds, helping produce higher pitches. Other intrinsic laryngeal muscles finely adjust their position and tension.
⚠️ Why this anatomy matters
Damage to the nerves controlling these muscles—especially the recurrent laryngeal nerve—can cause hoarseness, vocal-fold paralysis, or airway problems. This is why laryngeal anatomy is especially important during thyroid and neck surgery.
The vocal folds also help protect the lower airway by closing during swallowing and coughing.
🔹 Two small folds control voice, breathing, and airway protection—three essential functions packed into one remarkably precise structure.