The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is located in the neck at the top of the windpipe. This structure houses two sets of tissue folds. The lower set comprises the true vocal cords, which are primarily responsible for producing sound through vibration. A separate, paired set of folds sits above them, known as the false vocal cords or ventricular folds. Their function differs significantly from the true cords, focusing less on sound production and more on protecting the delicate airway.
Location and Structure of the False Vocal Cords
The false vocal cords are positioned superiorly within the larynx, located just above the true vocal cords. This arrangement creates a small, recessed space between the two sets of folds called the laryngeal ventricle. When viewed directly, the false cords appear as pink, shelf-like prominences.
Structurally, the false vocal cords are composed mainly of a thick fold of mucous membrane enclosing the vestibular ligament. Unlike the true vocal cords, which contain substantial muscle tissue and allow for fine-tuned tension, the false cords lack this muscular content. This difference is why they are considered “false”; they cannot be manipulated to produce the clear, sustained vibrations necessary for normal speech.
Primary Function: Airway Protection and Sealing
The main purpose of the false vocal cords is to act as a robust mechanical barrier, shielding the lower airway from foreign material. This protective role is most evident during swallowing. When food or liquids are routed toward the esophagus, the false vocal cords rapidly clamp shut (adduct) to prevent accidental entry into the trachea and lungs.
This tight closure works in conjunction with the true vocal cords and the epiglottis, forming a three-tiered defense mechanism. This reflex action prevents aspiration, which is the inhalation of substances into the lungs. The presence of fatty and glandular tissue within the false cords contributes to this cushioning and sealing ability.
The false cords also play a role in generating and maintaining high pressures within the chest cavity, a process known as the Valsalva maneuver. When a person coughs, sneezes, or strains while lifting, the false vocal cords close forcefully. This action traps air below them, building up the necessary subglottic pressure to expel irritants or stabilize the torso for physical exertion.
Roles Beyond Normal Speaking
While typically passive during regular conversational speech, the false vocal cords can be involved in sound production under specific conditions. This non-standard use is often observed in a voice disorder called ventricular phonation. In these cases, the false cords begin to vibrate, sometimes as a compensatory mechanism when the true vocal cords are damaged or cannot close properly.
The sound produced by the vibration of the false cords is characteristically rough, strained, and low in pitch, often resulting in a harsh or gravelly voice. The false vocal cords are also purposefully engaged in certain extreme vocalizations, such as Tuvan throat singing or deep growls used in music. These techniques utilize the false cords to produce very low, sonorous tones distinct from the sound created by the true vocal cords.