Vocal Fold Immobility

Function of the vocal cords

Vocal fold immobility is the term used when one or both of the vocal folds does not move appropriately. 

The vocal folds are folds of tissue located in the larynx (voicebox) that have three important functions:

• To protect the airway from choking on material in the throat
• To regulate the flow of air into our lungs
• The production of sounds used for speech

The front two-thirds of the vocal fold is made up of muscle covered by a thin layer called mucosa. The back one-third is made up of cartilage called the vocal process which is also covered by mucosa. When we speak, muscles in the larynx bring the vocal cords together. As the air rushes from our lungs out through the larynx, the front portion of the vocal cords vibrate, producing a sound. The upper portion of our throat then modifies this sound to produce speech.

When we breathe, one pair of muscles spreads the vocal folds apart so that air can easily enter into the lungs. If one or both of the vocal folds does not move properly, these functions (speech or breathing) may not be normal. The general term of this disorder is vocal fold immobility.