What is the opening between the vocal cords called?

The opening between the vocal cords is called the glottis.

More precisely, the glottis is the middle region of the larynx containing the vocal folds, while the opening itself is often termed the rima glottidis. In general anatomy and phonetics, however, “glottis” is the standard answer for the opening between the vocal folds, making the stored answer fair for this quiz.

During quiet breathing, the vocal folds are apart and air passes through the glottis. During phonation, muscles bring them close together so air from the lungs makes them vibrate. That vibration creates the buzzing component of voiced speech; changing the folds’ tension alters pitch.

The glottis is not the same as the larynx: the larynx is the larger voice-box structure that contains it. The epiglottis is a flap that helps protect the airway during swallowing, while the pharynx is a broader passage behind the nose and mouth. “Glottis” comes from Ancient Greek glōttís, related to a word for tongue.