Cheeky imposter

In the larynx, there are two sets of vocal folds (1). The first set of vocal folds that you come across as you enter the larynx are known as the vestibular, or false vocal folds. And one may assume these vestibular folds help in the vocalization process, but this is a false pretence! The vestibular folds only aid in protection of the  lower air passage way (1) as well as the true vocal folds found directly underneath where the real magic happens. 

The vocal folds themselves are composed of a vocal ligament and the vocalis muscle (an extension of the thyroartnoid muscle)(2). The vocal ligament itself is composed of two lamina propria layers, intermediate and deep respectively. These two layers are fairly rigid due to the presence of dense elastin and collagen matrixes. 

Coronal section through the free edge of the vocal fold, 

demonstrating the layers micro anatomical structures that 

allow vibration. (2)  

The dense vocal ligament acts as a support for the superficial lamina to vibrate upon. The superficial lamina is highly gelatinous, and is free to oscillate as air is expired through the larynx. If you think about it, this motion is similar to that seen on a water bed, with the superficial lamina propria being the water portion, and the intermediate and deep layers being the floor. 

So there you have it, the imposter and the true set of vocal cords that do all the work to help you speak! And with knowledge of the complex layers of the true vocal cords, you can spot the difference between the true and the false cords with ease. 

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References: 
1. Marieb E, Hoehn K. Human anatomy & physiology. Boston: Pearson; 2013.
2. Simpson C, Rosen C. Operative techniques in laryngology. Berlin: Springer; 2008.