A macula flava (plural maculae flavae) is likened to a shock absorber linking the cartilage at either end of the vocal ligament of the vocal fold. They are elliptical in shape and about 1.5 x 1.5 x 1 mm in size and are uniquely in the body composed of fibroblasts, elastic fibres, collagenous fibres, and ground substance. Fibroblasts in the maculae flavae synthesize, and occasionally engulf, the elastic and collagen fibres and appear to control the synthesis of fibrous components in the vocal ligament.