Left Vocal Ligament (Ligamentum vocale sinister)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The left vocal ligament is the thickened upper free border of the conus elasticus (cricovocal membrane), stretching horizontally from the inner angle of the thyroid cartilage to the vocal process of the left arytenoid cartilage. Formed of densely packed parallel elastic fibers, it forms the structural core of the true vocal fold (vocal cord) directly underlying the vocalis muscle.
Clinical notes
Reinke edema is fluid accumulation within the potential superficial lamina propria space overlying the vocal ligament, producing a gravelly, low-pitched voice in chronic smokers.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Left Vocal Ligament?
The left vocal ligament is the thickened upper free border of the conus elasticus (cricovocal membrane), stretching horizontally from the inner angle of the thyroid cartilage to the vocal process of the left arytenoid cartilage. Formed of densely packed parallel elastic fibers, it forms the structural core of the true vocal fold (vocal cord) directly underlying the vocalis muscle.
Why is the Left Vocal Ligament clinically important?
Reinke edema is fluid accumulation within the potential superficial lamina propria space overlying the vocal ligament, producing a gravelly, low-pitched voice in chronic smokers.
Source & license
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