We all have our own unique voices, don't we? Some people's voices are very sweet. Others' voices are a little hoarse. Others' voices make us feel at ease. Have you ever wondered how this wonderful thing called voice is created, where this sound comes from? The main reason for this is two small muscular bands in our throat. We call these the vocal cords, or in English , the vocal cords . Today, let's talk about this amazing organ.
Simply put, what are these vocal cords?
Think of the vocal cords as two muscular bands located in your throat, specifically the larynx , or what we call the "voice box" in the mouth. This voice box is located just above your trachea, the tube that carries air to your lungs.
The process is very simple and amazing.
- When you breathe: When you breathe in and out, these two vocal cords move apart and open. Like opening a door. This allows air to enter and exit the lungs without any obstruction.
- When you speak: When you start speaking, something amazing happens. These two vocal cords close together. Then the air that you exhale from your lungs hits these closed vocal cords. The pressure from that air causes these two muscle bands to vibrate very rapidly. It's like a guitar string vibrating. That vibration creates the basic sound of your voice.
In the past, people thought that these were like two strings on a musical instrument. But now we know that these are not just two strings, but two more complex folds made of muscle and cartilage. That is why some doctors also call these `(Vocal Folds)`.
What are the main functions of the vocal cords?
In addition to producing voice, this small organ performs many important functions for our body. Let's take a look at what they do.
| Function | How it happens |
|---|---|
| Voice production | When we talk, when we sing, when we whisperThese vocal cords, when joined together, vibrate as air from the lungs passes through them, creating sound. Depending on the pitch of your voice, these can vibrate hundreds of times per second! |
| Protecting the airway | This is very important. Our throat is like a junction where the airway (trachea) and the food pipe (esophagus) are divided into two. When you swallow food, these vocal cords close tightly, preventing food and drink from entering the airway. If something suddenly goes wrong, a cough suddenly occurs, and that is also a way for the vocal cords to come together and forcefully expel air and clear the airway. |
| Breath control | When we are still, that is, when we breathe without speaking, these vocal cords move apart and make room. This allows air to flow freely into and out of the lungs. |
The important thing is that the vocal cords only produce the basic sound. It is your mouth, tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks, and sinuses that combine to create your unique voice.
Where exactly are these vocal cords located?
These are located in the front part of your throat, directly behind what we call the "Adam's apple," inside the larynx.
You can feel this too. Put two fingers on that part of the cartilage that sticks out in the front of your throat. Now swallow some saliva. You will feel that part go up. Let out another yawn. Then you will feel it go down. Behind that moving part are these amazing vocal cords.
The relationship between the size of the vocal cords and the voice
The length and thickness of your vocal cords are a major factor in determining the quality of your voice. Generally , thick, long vocal cords produce a low-pitched voice, while thin, short vocal cords produce a high-pitched voice .
- At birth: When we are born, our vocal cords are very small, about 6-8 millimeters.
- Puberty:
- Boys: During puberty, the hormone testosterone causes the vocal cords of boys to grow rapidly longer and thicker. They usually grow 1.75 to 2.5 centimeters longer. That's why boys' voices suddenly break and they start to have a deeper voice.
- Girls: Girls' vocal cords also lengthen a little, but not as much as boys'. That's why their voices are relatively high-pitched. They are usually 1.25 to 1.75 centimeters long.
- As people age: As they age, their vocal cords and related muscles can shrink and weaken, causing their voice to weaken and change.
What are the diseases that affect the vocal cords?
There are several conditions that affect our voice, including vocal cord disorders. Some of these are common, while others are a little more unusual.
| Medical condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Laryngitis | This is the most common condition. The vocal cords swell. The voice can be completely lost, hoarse, or weak. It can be caused by excessive talking, infections, smoking, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). |
| Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts | These are non-cancerous (benign) growths that form on the vocal cords. Like warts on the hands, they can develop when the voice is used incorrectly or excessively. This can also cause the voice to become hoarse and weak. |
| Vocal Cord Paralysis | Damage to the nerves that control the movement of the vocal cords causes them to not open or close properly. This can make it difficult to speak, breathe, and swallow. |
| Laryngeal Cancer | A cancerous condition that occurs in the larynx and vocal cords. |
| Reinke's Edema | Fluid accumulates and swells in a specific part of the vocal cords. This causes the voice to become hoarse and deep. This is more common in smokers. |
When should I see a doctor?
It's normal for your voice to be hoarse for a couple of days after a cold. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they last more than two weeks , you should definitely see a doctor.
- Hoarseness or change in voice.
- Complete loss of voice.
- Feeling a sore throat when talking.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Frequent throat clearing.
In such cases, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT specialist) . He or she may perform a test called a laryngoscopy to examine your vocal cords. This involves inserting a thin tube with a camera down your throat to look at the condition of your vocal cords. Sometimes, a CT scan, MRI , or biopsy may be needed.
Things we can do to keep our vocal cords healthy
Our voice is a part of our identity. Therefore, it is very important to keep the vocal cords that protect it healthy. By following these simple things, you too can protect your vocal cords.
| ✔️ Good things to do (Do's) | ❌ Things not to do (Don'ts) |
|---|---|
| Drink plenty of water. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your vocal cords moist. | Don't strain your voice. Avoid shouting, talking, or singing excessively or for long periods of time. |
| If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), get it treated. Stomach acid can back up into your throat and damage your vocal cords. | Avoid smoking and vaping completely. Also, avoid being in places where others are smoking. Smoke is very damaging to the vocal cords. |
| If you are speaking to a large group, use a microphone. Don't strain your throat by shouting. | Avoid excessive shouting or whispering. Both of these extremes are harmful to the vocal cords. |
| If you are in a dry environment, use a humidifier. This will help maintain moisture in the air. | When your voice becomes hoarse and weak , stop talking or singing and give your voice a rest. |
Take-Home Message
- Your voice is a wonderful thing created by the vibration of two muscular bands called the vocal cords.
- In addition to speaking, their important function is to protect the airway when you swallow food.
- If you have a change in your voice, hoarseness, or pain that lasts more than two weeks, don't ignore it. Definitely see a doctor.
- Things like smoking and excessive shouting can cause serious damage to the vocal cords, so avoid them.
- Simple things like drinking plenty of water throughout the day and giving your voice a rest can help protect the health of your vocal cords in the long term.
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