Organ
Vestibular folds
Upper laryngeal folds with protective and vocal roles
High-yield
True folds normally provide the principal sound source. Vestibular folds are not functionless during voice production, and their movement or vibration is not automatically abnormal.
Overview
Above each true vocal fold is a thicker vestibular fold containing connective tissue, glands and the vestibular ligament. The laryngeal ventricle separates the two levels. Vestibular folds contribute to laryngeal closure and shape the space above the main vibrating vocal folds.
Reference facts
- Location
- Above and somewhat lateral to the true vocal folds, with the laryngeal ventricle between them.
- Parts
- Mucosa and gland-bearing connective tissue around the vestibular ligament, continuous with the lower edge of the quadrangular membrane.
- Blood supply
- Mainly superior laryngeal arterial branches, with regional vascular connections.
- Innervation
- Sensory supply chiefly through the internal superior laryngeal nerve; associated muscle activity depends on laryngeal motor branches.
- Function
- Contribute to protective and effort-related closure, glandular lubrication and the configuration of the supraglottic vocal tract.
Clinical correlation
Excessive supraglottic constriction can accompany some voice disorders, and vestibular vibration may provide compensatory sound production. Its effect on voice depends on the pattern; neither visible compression nor vibration alone proves muscle tension dysphonia.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the vestibular folds located?
Above and somewhat lateral to the true vocal folds, with the laryngeal ventricle between them.
What do the vestibular folds do?
Contribute to protective and effort-related closure, glandular lubrication and the configuration of the supraglottic vocal tract.
What are the parts of the vestibular folds?
Mucosa and gland-bearing connective tissue around the vestibular ligament, continuous with the lower edge of the quadrangular membrane.
What is the blood supply of the vestibular folds?
Mainly superior laryngeal arterial branches, with regional vascular connections.