The human voice box contains two vocal cords.
These muscular bands, also known as vocal folds, are crucial for producing sound. They vibrate as air passes over them, creating the noises we recognize as speech and song.
What are vocal cords?
Vocal cords, or vocal folds, are not actually cords but rather two bands of muscle tissue situated within the larynx (voice box).
How Vocal Cords Work
Here's how they produce sound:
- Air from the lungs passes through the trachea (windpipe) and over the vocal cords.
- The vocal cords vibrate as the air passes through, creating sound waves.
- The pitch of your voice is determined by the tension of your vocal cords.
- The intensity of the sound is determined by the amount of air passing through your vocal cords.
Other Functions of Vocal Cords
Beyond speech production, vocal cords serve vital functions:
- Breathing: The vocal cords move apart to allow air to flow into the lungs.
- Swallowing: They close to prevent food and liquid from entering the windpipe, which helps us to swallow safely.
Key Takeaway
The human larynx contains two vocal cords, which are essential for voice production, breathing, and swallowing.
