Organ
Vocal folds
Layered tissue that vibrates and closes the glottis
High-yield
Vocal-fold epithelium has no vessels, but the connective tissue beneath it does. Lymphatics are sparse, not an absolute barrier to cancer spread, and sensory territories overlap around the fold surfaces.
Overview
The paired vocal folds extend from the thyroid angle to the arytenoid vocal processes. A pliable epithelial and connective-tissue covering overlies the ligament and muscle. Airflow interacting with these layers produces vibration; the covering must remain mobile rather than being tightly fixed to the underlying muscle.
Reference facts
- Location
- Between the inner thyroid angle anteriorly and arytenoid vocal processes posteriorly, bordering the glottic aperture.
- Parts
- Squamous epithelium, layered lamina propria including the vocal ligament, and underlying thyroarytenoid/vocalis muscle.
- Blood supply
- Superior and inferior laryngeal branches supply a network in the connective tissue and muscle; the epithelium itself is avascular.
- Innervation
- Muscle supply mainly by recurrent laryngeal branches. Internal superior laryngeal sensation reaches the superior fold surface; recurrent fibers chiefly serve the infraglottic region, with communications.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Veins connect with laryngeal/thyroid venous channels. Glottic lymphatics are limited compared with the supraglottis, but nodal spread remains possible.
- Function
- Vibrate for voice, regulate the glottic airway and close during protective or pressure-generating actions.
Clinical correlation
Reinke edema expands the superficial lamina propria and often deepens the voice; smoking is an important association. Repeated phonatory trauma can produce bilateral nodules near the middle of the membranous folds. These lesions require visualization to distinguish them from other causes of hoarseness.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the vocal folds located?
Between the inner thyroid angle anteriorly and arytenoid vocal processes posteriorly, bordering the glottic aperture.
What do the vocal folds do?
Vibrate for voice, regulate the glottic airway and close during protective or pressure-generating actions.
What are the parts of the vocal folds?
The parts of the vocal folds are the squamous epithelium, layered lamina propria including the vocal ligament, and underlying thyroarytenoid/vocalis muscle.
What is the blood supply of the vocal folds?
Superior and inferior laryngeal branches supply a network in the connective tissue and muscle; the epithelium itself is avascular.