Definition

1. Noun:
   • One of the two lower vocal folds: The "inferior vocal fold" is either of the two lower folds of tissue within the larynx (voice box). These are the primary structures that vibrate to produce vocal sound. They come together to form the glottis (the opening between them). When they are brought close together (approximated) and air from the lungs passes through, they vibrate and produce a vocal tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Damage to the inferior vocal fold can cause hoarseness or loss of voice.
  • The surgeon carefully examined the patient's left inferior vocal fold.
  • Phonation occurs when the inferior vocal folds vibrate.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Anatomical Context: The term is primarily used in medical, anatomical, and voice science contexts. In layman's terms, these are often simply called the "vocal cords" or "vocal folds."
  • The biopsy confirmed the lesion was confined to the mucosa of the inferior vocal fold.

Variants and Related Words

• Vocal fold (n): The general term for a fold of membranous tissue in the larynx. The "inferior vocal fold" is a specific pair.
• True vocal cord (n): A common synonym for "inferior vocal fold."
• Vocal ligament (n): The band of elastic tissue within the inferior vocal fold.
• Glottis (n): The space between the left and right inferior vocal folds.
• Superior vocal fold (n): The pair of folds located above the inferior vocal folds; also known as the "vestibular folds" or "false vocal cords," which do not typically vibrate for normal phonation.

Synonyms

• True vocal cord
• Vocal cord (in common, non-technical usage)
• Vocal band

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Inferior vocal fold paralysis: A condition where one or both folds cannot move.
  • The patient was diagnosed with unilateral inferior vocal fold paralysis.
• Inferior vocal fold nodule: A benign growth on the fold, often from vocal overuse.
  • Singers are prone to developing inferior vocal fold nodules.

Noun

1. either of the two lower vocal folds that come together to form the glottis; produce a vocal tone when they are approximated and air from the lungs passes between them