Final answer:
Aphonia is the absence of voice that may result from the abuse of the vocal cords leading to conditions such as laryngitis, where the inflammation of the larynx can impact voice production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition described, absence of the voice, which may follow abuse of the vocal cords, is commonly referred to as aphonia. People produce sounds by pushing air from their lungs through the throat, passing through elastic folds known as vocal cords. These vocal cords, located in the larynx or voice box, are essential for voice production. Abuse of the vocal cords can lead to laryngitis, which is the inflammation of the larynx and can cause temporary or permanent voice loss depending on the severity. Factors like overuse of the voice, yelling, or infection can cause this inflammation and lead to aphonia.