VOCAL CORDS Meaning and
Definition
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Vocal cords are thin, delicate, and muscular foldings located inside the larynx, also known as the voice box. They play a crucial role in speech production and phonation. Composed of flexible tissues, each vocal cord stretches across the larynx, connecting the front and back of the voice box. The vocal cords are responsible for creating sound by opening and closing rapidly.
The process of sound production occurs when air from the lungs is released and passes through the vocal cords. As the air flows between the cords, they vibrate, producing sound waves. The pitch and volume of the sound are determined by the tension, positioning, and length of the vocal cords. For a high-pitched sound, the vocal cords are stretched and tense, whereas a low-pitched sound is created when the cords are more relaxed.
The vocal cords are crucial for vocalization, including talking, singing, and other forms of verbal communication. They are also responsible for producing a range of vocal qualities, such as tone, timbre, and resonance. Additionally, the vocal cords play an essential role in protecting the airway during swallowing, coughing, and gag reflexes by closing tightly and preventing food or liquid from entering the lungs.
Taking care of the vocal cords is important to maintain and enhance vocal quality. Overusing or straining the vocal cords can lead to vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and other vocal disorders. Voice exercises, proper hydration, and avoiding excessive vocal strain can help keep the vocal cords healthy and functioning optimally.
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Four folds of mucous membrane in the interior of the larynx; the true vocal cords (plicae vocales) are agents of voice production; the false vocal cords (plicae ventriculares) are not integral parts of the vocal apparatus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VOCAL CORDS
- vocal core
- vocal cored
- vocal cord
- cocal cords
- bocal cords
- gocal cords
- focal cords
- vical cords
- vkcal cords
- vlcal cords
- vpcal cords
- v0cal cords
- v9cal cords
- voxal cords
- voval cords
- vofal cords
- vodal cords
- voczl cords
- vocsl cords
- vocwl cords
- vocalcords
Etymology of VOCAL CORDS
The word "vocal" is derived from the Latin word "vocalis", which means "of or pertaining to the voice". The word "cord" is derived from the Latin word "chorda", which originally meant "string". When combined, the phrase "vocal cords" refers to the paired bands of muscles and mucous membrane in the larynx or voice box that vibrate to produce sound. So, the term "vocal cords" essentially refers to the vibrating strings in the voice box necessary for producing voice.
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