The human body, particularly structures involved in speech, often sparks curiosity. A common question is whether someone can be born with an “extra” vocal cord. Understanding laryngeal anatomy and development provides clarity.
The Vocal Cords Explained
The vocal cords, or vocal folds, are two bands of muscle and tissue inside the larynx (voice box). Located above the windpipe, they produce voice and protect the airway. When air is expelled from the lungs, the vocal folds vibrate, creating sound for speech and singing. They also close during swallowing to prevent food or liquids from entering the respiratory tract. Laryngeal muscles and cartilages control their movements, allowing for varied pitch and intensity.
Understanding “Extra” Vocal Cords
A true, fully functional “extra” vocal cord, as commonly imagined, is not typically observed. Everyone has “false vocal folds” (vestibular folds) above the true vocal folds, but they play a minimal role in normal voice production. Instead of an extra cord, individuals may be born with various congenital laryngeal anomalies that alter vocal function or be perceived as unusual.
Laryngeal webs, for instance, are membrane-like structures across the laryngeal lumen, often between the vocal cords. These result from incomplete fetal tissue resorption and can cause hoarseness, a weak cry, or breathing difficulties. Sulcus vocalis is a furrow along a vocal fold, present from birth. This condition involves thinning or loss of vocal fold tissue, impairing vibration and leading to breathiness or a weak voice. Congenital laryngeal cysts, fluid-filled sacs, can also interfere with voice and breathing depending on their size and location. These cysts include saccular and ductal types, forming due to mucus retention or obstruction.
How Laryngeal Anomalies Develop
These variations stem from disruptions during fetal laryngeal development. The larynx forms from the embryonic foregut. Errors can occur at various stages, such as incomplete recanalization of the laryngeal lumen, which causes laryngeal webs. Obstruction of the laryngeal saccule orifice during development can lead to congenital cysts. Vocal cord structures begin to take shape around the twelfth week of pregnancy, with refinement continuing throughout gestation.
Detecting and Addressing Vocal Cord Variations
Congenital vocal cord variations are identified by symptoms like changes in voice quality (hoarseness, weak cry) or breathing difficulties (noisy breathing, respiratory distress), especially in infants. Feeding difficulties and aspiration may also prompt evaluation. Diagnosis often involves flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy to visualize the larynx and vocal folds. Rigid bronchoscopy or MRI may further assess the anomaly.
Management varies by condition and severity. Laryngeal webs may be treated with endoscopic section, dilation, or open surgical repair. Laryngeal cysts can be addressed with aspiration or surgical excision. Sulcus vocalis might involve voice therapy or phonosurgery to improve vocal fold vibration.