For all of you singers with one track mind, let me specify that what you see below are VOCAL CORDS!
If there is anything sexy about vocal cords, it is that they do so much for us... From allowing us to verbally express our every need, emotions and knowledge to entertaining and energy healing. Because of their complex and unique nature it would be nearly impossible to build an instrument with so much versatility and power. Vocal cords are a real little miraculous gem down our voice box.
Here are 15 facts you must know about your precious vocal cords:
1. Vocal cords sit in the larynx in the position of a “V” with the point at the front directly behind the Adam Apple. It acts as a shield to protect them.
2. Vocal cords are also called vocal fold. They are formed by two thin bands of smooth muscle on opposite sides of the airway, covered by mucous membrane.1
3. Vocal cords work similarly to reed instruments to produce sound as the air flow goes through them.
4. Vocal folds measure approximately 1.5 cm for males and 1.2 cm for females.2
5. The difference in size results in men's voice being in average about an octave lower then women's.
6. Vocal cords stretch and tense horizontally.
7. Vocal folds move similarly to a car’s windshield wipers that are attached to the middle of the windshield and open outwards3.
8. Vocal cords vibrate about 1000 times a second to produce sound. Woah! That's a LOT!
9. Whispering is more tiring for vocal cords than talking because the extra breath going through dries them out.
10. Vocal cords love being hydrated so drink lots of water. It takes about 20 minutes for vocal cords to lubricate after you drink.
11. Vocal cords start zipping in the bell register to produce super high pitch sounds.
12. If you catch the common cold or a flu, your vocal cords may swell to the extent of not being able to vibrate the way they normally do. This is what causes temporary vocal loss.
13. Vocal cords can change due to misuse and vocal abuse as well as with age and even atrophy, just like the rest of our body.
14. While it's true that nodules and polyps on vocal cords can be removed with surgery, they will come back unless the voice is completely rehabilitated with correct vocal technique.
15. Any strategies that you learn to improve your singing skills can be applies to your speaking voice. We only have one set of vocal cords so just like we don't have walking feet and dancing feet, the speaking and singing voice are one.
Make sure to checkout the stroboscopy video included to watch vocal cords in action!
As you can see, the human voice and vocal cords are pretty special! But also extremely fragile. You joined this group to sing higher, louder and more effortlessly. You want to make an impact in the lives of your family, friends and fans. If you’re ready to step into your greatness, to sing your heart out and perform at your very best, join me on my masterclass and learn about how my clients and I are achieving those results every day:
Sing your heart out,
Val
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