The length, width, and configuration of the vocal tract shape the raw vocal cord vibration and produce the _________ .

The length, width, and configuration of the vocal tract are crucial in shaping the sound produced by the vocal cords. This alteration of the sound wave as it travels through the vocal tract affects the raw vibrations from the vocal cords, ultimately determining the fundamental frequency of the voice. The fundamental frequency pertains to the base rate at which the vocal cords vibrate, which is a key factor in pitch perception.

When the vocal tract is adjusted (by movements of the tongue, lips, or jaw), it can amplify certain frequencies while dampening others, leading to the production of various pitches that correspond to the fundamental frequency. It is this frequency that establishes the basic tone of the voice, and thus is essential for vocal communication.

In contrast, the other options reference specific aspects of sound production. Formants are the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract that modify the sound but are defined by the harmonic series around the fundamental frequency. Vowels are shaped by the formants' characteristics, while consonants involve different articulatory mechanisms. Understanding how the vocal tract influences fundamental frequency provides insight into the relationship between physical vocal anatomy and sound production.