Cadaver like position of vocal cords is seen in
**Core Concept**
The cadaveric position of the vocal cords refers to the atonic, flaccid state of the vocal cords, which are maximally abducted and not tensioned. This position is characterized by a loss of vocal cord muscle tone and is often seen in patients who are deceased or in a state of severe hypoxia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cadaveric position of the vocal cords is a result of the loss of the parasympathetic tone on the laryngeal muscles. The parasympathetic nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve, provides the primary motor innervation to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, including the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, which is responsible for vocal cord abduction. In the absence of parasympathetic tone, the vocal cords relax and assume a maximally abducted position. This is in contrast to the normal, tonic state of the vocal cords, where they are abducted just enough to allow for adequate airflow during breathing.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not provided, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
**Option B:** This option is not provided, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
**Option C:** This option is not provided, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
**Option D:** This option is not provided, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The cadaveric position of the vocal cords is often seen in patients who are deceased or in a state of severe hypoxia, such as in cardiac arrest or near-drowning cases. It is an important clinical sign that can be used to determine the cause of death or the status of a patient's vital functions.
**Correct Answer:** D.