A laryngospasm is where the vocal cords inadvertently close as a reflex. It makes breathing in quite difficult. Note that during a cough or exhalation, the vocal cords open or ABduct easily, but during inspiration, the vocal cords close/ADduct tightly. This film was taken during a surgery I was performing and the scope touched the larynx triggering a laryngospasm. The vocal cords are closed during inspiration and thus the noise (called inspiratory stridor), though the cords do open with her cough.