Vestibular Folds

plica vestibularis

The vestibular folds, often called the false vocal cords, are two soft, pinkish folds of mucous membrane lying just above the true vocal folds. Each contains the vestibular ligament, the thickened lower edge of the quadrangular membrane, along with glands and fat. They play only a small role in normal voice.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	Inside the larynx, above the vocal folds, forming the upper boundary of each laryngeal ventricle.
Parts	Vestibular ligament Mucous glands Mucosa Rima vestibuli (the gap between the folds)
Nerve Supply	Internal laryngeal nerve (sensory, branch of the superior laryngeal nerve from the vagus)
Blood Supply	Superior laryngeal artery
Lymphatic drainage	Superior deep cervical nodes (via vessels following the superior laryngeal artery)

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Help close the larynx tightly during swallowing, coughing and effort closure such as heavy lifting, and their glands keep the vocal folds moist.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Use of the vestibular folds to make sound (ventricular phonation) produces a rough, strained voice, either as a compensation for vocal fold problems or as a habit. Their tight closure together with the vocal folds is part of the effort closure used when straining or bracing the trunk.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Ventricular Dysphonia

Voice produced by vibration of the vestibular folds instead of, or as well as, the vocal folds. It sounds harsh and low and is often treated with voice therapy.

Vestibular Fold Cyst

A mucus retention cyst from blocked glands in the fold. Large cysts can alter the voice or narrow the airway.

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