During which life stage do vocal folds increase in length significantly?

The significant increase in the length of the vocal folds occurs primarily during the developmental stage of 10-20 years of age, which encompasses puberty. During this time, hormonal changes lead to physical growth and maturation of secondary sexual characteristics, including the larynx. As boys and girls go through puberty, the vocal folds elongate, resulting in changes in pitch. For boys, this is often accompanied by a notable drop in voice pitch, while for girls, the change is less dramatic but still significant.

This developmental milestone is crucial because it sets the foundation for adult voice characteristics, influencing aspects such as resonance and vocal quality. The vocal folds reach their adult size and tension, which allows for improved vocal range and flexibility. In contrast, options pertaining to infancy and elderly years do not reflect the significant growth phase associated with the vocal folds; in infancy, the vocal folds are still short and developing, while in elderly years, they may undergo age-related changes such as thinning or atrophy rather than significant growth.