Definition
Vocal folds, commonly known as vocal cords, are folds of tissue located in the larynx. They're responsible for creating sound when air from the lungs passes over them, causing them to vibrate. Imagine them like the reeds in a clarinet or the lips of a trumpet player. They are dynamic structures, changing length and tension to adjust the pitch of your voice. The tightness of the folds determines the sound. Vocal folds are crucial for speech and singing.