AST Surgical Technologist Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The space between the vocal cords is known as the glottis. This term specifically describes the opening between the true vocal cords (vocal folds) in the larynx, which is crucial for the production of sound. The position and tension of the vocal cords as they open and close in the glottis allow for the modulation of pitch and volume during phonation.

The epiglottis, larynx, and pharynx are all structures associated with vocalization and the respiratory system, but they serve different functions. The epiglottis is a flap that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. The larynx houses the vocal cords and is responsible for sound production, but it encompasses more than just the space between the vocal cords; it includes various cartilages and muscles. The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus and trachea, playing a role in swallowing and providing a pathway for air and food. Understanding the anatomy of the larynx and related structures is essential for those in the surgical technologist field, especially when dealing with procedures involving the airway.