Vocal folds

Vocal folds, also known as vocal cords, are two bands of tissue located in your larynx (voice box). When you speak or sing, air from your lungs passes through your trachea and causes the vocal folds to vibrate. These vibrations produce sound, which is then shaped by your mouth, tongue, and lips into speech or singing. The tension and length of the vocal folds control pitch and volume. They are crucial for voice production and can also help prevent choking by closing tightly during swallowing.