Where do we find our vocal cords? How do they work?
1 Answer
The vocal cords are in the larynx and vibrate when air is expelled from the lungs for the purpose of speech.
Explanation:
Just above the trachea is a cartilaginous structure called the larynx. Within the larynx, attached to the cartilaginous plates, are two foldings of mucous membrane which are the vocal cords .
These cords, stretched from back to front, are relaxed and open during breathing, and taut during speech.
When they are required for speech, the two cords come close to each other so that air pressure builds up beneath them in the larynx. With sufficient air pressure, the cords are pushed apart starting with the inferior part and ending with the superior part of each fold.
This causes a wave-like motion to form on the cords which then releases this energy in the form of sound waves which can be modulated for speech.
