Häälepaeltele

Häälepaeltele, also known as vocal cords or vocal folds, are folds of mucous membrane that project into the lumen of the larynx. They are a pair of elastic bands of tissue that extend from the front of the larynx to the back, near the arytenoid cartilages. The space between the vocal cords is called the glottis.

When a person speaks, sings, or makes any vocal sound, air from the lungs is pushed through the glottis. This airflow causes the vocal cords to vibrate, producing sound waves. The pitch of the sound is determined by the tension and thickness of the vocal cords, as well as the speed at which they vibrate. Tighter, thinner vocal cords vibrate faster, producing higher-pitched sounds, while looser, thicker vocal cords vibrate slower, producing lower-pitched sounds.

The muscles within the larynx control the movement and tension of the vocal cords, allowing for a wide range of vocalizations. The vocal cords also play a crucial role in breathing, as they close tightly to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea and lungs during swallowing. Damage to the vocal cords, whether from overuse, disease, or injury, can lead to voice disorders such as hoarseness, loss of voice, or changes in vocal quality.