What is the Difference Between Male and Female Vocal Cords?

The primary difference between male and female vocal cords lies in their size, which affects the pitch and tone of the voice. Key differences include:

• Length: Male vocal folds are typically between 17 mm and 25 mm in length, while female vocal folds are shorter, ranging from 12.5 mm to 17.5 mm.
• Thickness: Male vocal cords are thicker than female vocal cords, which contributes to the deeper pitch of male voices.
• Glottal Convergence: The female glottis appears to converge more linearly (from bottom to top) than the male glottis, primarily because of medial surface bulging of the male vocal folds.
• Vocal Tract Length: Female vocal tracts are generally shorter than male vocal tracts, which can result in a breathier tone for female voices.

These differences in vocal cord size and structure lead to men having deeper, lower-pitched voices, while women have higher-pitched voices. The average male voice falls in the A2 to C3 octave range, while the average female voice ranges from A3 to C4.

Comparative Table: Male vs Female Vocal Cords

The main differences between male and female vocal cords are primarily related to their length, thickness, and the resulting pitch. Here is a table highlighting the key differences:

Male vocal cords are longer and thicker, which results in a lower and deeper pitch, while female vocal cords are shorter and thinner, producing a higher and more flute-like pitch.