An interactive guide to the larynx and vocal folds — three anatomical views, four phonation states, and the neighboring structures every singer and teacher should understand.
For vocal education, not medical diagnosis. These are simplified, labeled illustrations built for teaching vocal pedagogy — not clinical imaging. If you have persistent hoarseness, pain, or other warning signs below, see a laryngologist or ENT.
View
Phonation State
Depth
Top-Down (Laryngoscopic) View
The view a laryngologist sees on a scope — click any part to learn what it does.
Get started
Click a labeled part
Every colored structure in the diagram is clickable. Select a view above, then tap a part of the larynx to see what it's called and what it does for the voice.
Tip: switch Phonation State on any view to see how the vocal folds change shape between breathing, chest voice, head voice/falsetto, and whisper.
Vocal Health: Do's, Don'ts & Warning Signs
Grounded in mainstream vocal pedagogy and voice-science consensus — the habits that protect a singing voice, the ones that damage it, and the signs that mean it's time to see a specialist.
✅ Do
Warm up gradually before demanding singing, and cool down afterward.
Stay hydrated throughout the day — systemic hydration matters far more than sipping water mid-song.
Use a humidifier in dry air; dryness increases friction on the folds.
Build breath support from the diaphragm and abdominal muscles so the folds aren't compensating for weak airflow.
Rest your voice during laryngitis or a cold — pushing through causes more damage.
Get proper technique instruction to avoid hyperfunction (excess muscular squeezing).
Manage acid reflux (diet, meal timing, medical care) — it's a major hidden cause of vocal problems.
🚫 Don't
Yell or scream without support — one of the most damaging things you can do to the folds.
Clear your throat forcefully and repeatedly — it's a hard collision of the folds. Try a gentle cough or swallow instead.
Sing through pain or significant hoarseness.
Smoke or vape — irritants dry and inflame vocal fold tissue.
Lean on caffeine or alcohol heavily before singing — both are dehydrating.
Sit at the extreme edges of your range for long stretches without building up to it.
Whisper for hours to "save" your voice — a forced whisper can be harder on the folds than relaxed speech.
⚠️ Warning Signs
Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks.
A voice that tires quickly or "gives out" during normal use.
Increasing effort to produce sound, or new raspiness/breathiness.
Pitch breaks or losing notes that used to be easy.
A "lump in the throat" feeling when speaking or swallowing.
Reduced range, especially losing the top of the voice.
Throat or neck pain during or after singing — see a laryngologist experienced with singers.