Two folds of mucous membrane overlying two vocal ligaments in the larynx (voice box) that vibrate to produce the sounds of speech. The cords are attached at the front to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Muscles attached to the vocal cords alter their length and tension. As air expelled from the lungs passes through them, the folds can be opened, closed, and vibrated to vary the sound produced. The sounds are further modified by the tongue, teeth, and lips to produce speech.