Definition

Noun: - Anatomical Structure: Either of the two lower, thicker folds of mucous membrane and muscle tissue within the larynx (voice box). These are the primary structures responsible for producing the voice when air from the lungs causes them to vibrate as they are brought together.

Usage

• The true vocal cords are essential for phonation, the process of creating vocal sound.
• Damage to the true vocal cord can result in hoarseness or loss of voice.
• During normal breathing, the true vocal cords are held apart.

Examples

• The singer rested her voice to avoid straining her true vocal cords.
• The surgeon examined the patient's true vocal cord using a laryngoscope.
• Vibration of the true vocal cords produces the fundamental pitch of your voice.

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Scientific Context: The term is used precisely in otolaryngology (ENT medicine), speech-language pathology, and vocal pedagogy to distinguish these structures from the vestibular folds (false vocal cords).
• Technical Description: The true vocal cords are also referred to scientifically as the or . The space between them is the glottis.

Variants and Related Words

• Vocal folds: The more modern and precise anatomical term, often used interchangeably with "true vocal cords."
• Inferior vocal folds: A descriptive synonym highlighting their position below the vestibular folds.
• False vocal cords (Vestibular folds): The pair of folds located just above the true vocal cords, which do not typically vibrate for normal speech but have protective and other functions.

Synonyms

• Vocal folds
• Inferior vocal folds

Related Phrases

• Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD): A condition where the vocal cords close improperly during breathing.
• Vocal cord nodules: Benign growths on the vocal cords often caused by vocal strain.

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