Final answer:
The statement that the space between the vocal cords is the glottis is true. The glottis includes the false and true vocal cords and is integral in voice production and pitch control. The larynx houses the vocal cords and serves both respiratory and protective functions during swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the space between the vocal cords is the glottis is true. The glottis plays a crucial role in phonation, the process by which voice is produced. It consists of the vestibular folds (also known as false vocal cords), the true vocal cords, and the space between these structures. During phonation, the true vocal cords come together while the space between them, the glottis, changes in size, impacting the pitch and volume of the sound.
Additionally, the true vocal cords are attached by muscle to the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages and can oscillate, allowing them to produce sound when air passes through the glottis. The size and tension of the vocal cords determine the pitch of the voice, with larger folds typically creating a deeper voice, as seen more often in males compared to females.
The larynx, also referred to as the voice box, houses the vocal cords and is found in the respiratory system between the pharynx and the trachea. It is essential not only for voice production but also for protecting the trachea during swallowing. The epiglottis, a flexible flap of elastic cartilage, covers the tracheal opening during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea, ensuring that the passage to the lungs remains clear for air movement.