The free borders of the intrinsic ligaments of the larynx are covered by mucous membrane to form the vestibular folds and the vocal folds.

The vestibular folds are known as the false vocal cords, whilst the vocal folds are known as the true vocal cords.

The gap between the vocal cords is known as the rima glottidis or, simply, the 'glottis'. It is the narrowest part of the airway in the adult.