The vocal folds are located in the larynx, also known as the Adam's apple. They are muscles that work to produce sound. Paralysis can occur if there is nerve damage or an accident, causing part of the vocal fold to become paralyzed. Nodules, which are like callouses on the vocal folds, can develop if a person uses their voice improperly, such as from screaming or lots of loud singing. During puberty, the larynx and vocal folds grow rapidly to keep up with the growth of the rest of the body, which causes the voice to change and become unstable.

1. VOCAL FOLDSUrbandale Middle School6th Grade General MusicVoice Change Unit

2. Healthy Vocal Folds

3. Where are the vocal folds located?

5. A. The larynx sits on top of the trachea, where your Adam’s Apple is.

6. Anatomy of Vocal Folds

7. B. Vocal folds are muscles inside the larynx, which work to produce sound.

8. Paralysis Part of your vocal fold becomes paralyzed. Usually caused by some sort of nerve damage or accident.

9. NodulesLike a callous on your vocal fold. Caused using your voice improperly. Screaming and lots of loud singing can cause nodules.

10. Part V: Why does the larynx and vocal folds change?Because the rest of your body grows and develops so fast, the other muscles such as the larynx and vocal folds grow rapidly to keep up. This is what makes your voice jump around, squeaky, and scratchy.Do your feet or hands stay the same size while the rest of your body grows? NO, that’s why your vocal muscles grow, TO FIT YOUR BODY!