Vestibular fold

Definition

The vestibular fold, also known as the false vocal cord, is a pair of thick mucous membrane folds located above the true vocal cords in the larynx. They play no direct role in sound production but help to close the glottis during swallowing to protect the airway.

Related terms

Larynx:

The voice box or larynx is an organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration.

Glottis: The glottis is the part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the slit-like opening between them; it plays a key role in producing phonation and regulating airflow during respiration.

True Vocal Cords: These are elastic bands of tissue located within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them during speaking or singing