Corpus: Vocal ligament: Unterschied zwischen den Versionen

The vocal ligament is an elastic ligament that runs between the vocal process of the cartilage (cartilago arytaenoidea) and the thyroid cartilage (cartilago thyroidea).

The two vocal ligaments form the medial edge of the vocal folds and surround the glottis. They are supported by the two vocal muscles, whose fibres radiate into them. The surface facing the lumen of the larynx is covered by mucous membrane, which consists of squamous epithelium in this area.

The vocal ligaments correspond to the middle and deep layer of the lamina propria of the vocal folds. In the body cover model, they form the transitional layer. Histologically, they consist of elastin, which defines the elasticity of the vocal cords, and collagen, which is responsible for the firmness of the tissue. Interspersed between the fibre tracts, which are predominantly aligned parallel to the glottis, are isolated fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and macrophages.

When the vocal ligaments vibrate due to the flow of exhaled air, sounds are produced. They are tensed by the muscles of the larynx for high tones and relax for low tones. Men usually have longer vocal cords and therefore a deeper voice.