Final answer:
During forceful inhalation, the vocal cords open widely to minimize resistance to airflow, facilitating efficient breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
During forceful inhalation, the vocal cords open widely to provide minimum resistance to airflow. This allows air to pass through the larynx and into the trachea efficiently. The larynx, or voice box, contains vocal cords that open and close rhythmically, creating a pressure buildup necessary for speech. When more air is forced from the lungs, this affects both the pitch and volume of the sound produced by the vocal cords. It's important that during forceful inhalation, the cords open sufficiently to maximize airflow into the trachea for efficient breathing.