Is the cricoid cartilage near the vocal cords?

Yes, the cricoid cartilage is located near the vocal cords. It is situated below the thyroid cartilage and forms the base of the larynx, encircling the trachea. The vocal cords, or vocal folds, are located above the cricoid cartilage within the larynx. Thus, the cricoid cartilage plays a supportive role in the structure of the airway and the vocal apparatus.