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Vocal Cords

Vocal Cords

Vocal cords, or vocal folds, are ligaments covered by soft mucous membranes in the larynx (voice box) that allow voice production. A stiff-edged vocal ligament is a band of elastic tissue that stretches between the cartilage that makes up the larynx.

When air passes over closed vocal cords, they vibrate and make sounds.

Last Revised: October 9, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

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