vocal cord

vocal cord One of the two small bands of muscle that form a V-shape within the larynx. When a person breathes, the vocal cords relax, and air moves through the space between them without making a sound. When a person talks or sings, the vocal cords tighten up and move closer together. Air from the lungs is forced between them, making them vibrate to produce sound, much like the strings of a guitar. The tongue, lips, and teeth form that sound into words. See also larynx.