The space between the vocal cords is known as the

• A. Vallecula
• B. Epiglottis
• C. Glottis
• D. Carina

Answer: (C)

The space between the vocal cords is the glottis. It sits in the larynx and is the opening through which air flows and voice is produced as the vocal folds vibrate. The term glottis refers to the opening between the true vocal folds, and the opening itself is often called the rima glottidis. The cords move by adducting (together) or abducting (apart) to regulate this space for phonation and breathing.

The other terms point to different structures: the vallecula is a pocket at the base of the tongue near the epiglottis; the epiglottis is the leaf-like cartilage that covers the laryngeal inlet during swallowing; and the carina is the ridge where the trachea splits into the main bronchi. So, the space between the vocal cords—central to voice production and airway management—is the glottis.