BIOL 2P95 Lecture Notes - Arytenoid Cartilage, Thyrohyoid Muscle, Cricothyroid Ligament
4 Feb 2013
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Document Summary
Larynx and speech: basic structure of the larynx, cartilages: thyroid, cricoid (thin anteriorly), arytenoids (vocal and muscle processes, membranes and ligaments. Cricothyroid membrane (aka conus elasticus): contains true vocal fold. Quadrangular membrane (aka vestibular): contains false vocal fold: muscles. Extrinsics (suprahyoids and infrahyoids): hold tongue in position. Vocal fold adductors: transverse, oblique, lateral crico- arytenoids vocalis. Vocal fold adjustors: cricothyroid (tenses), thyroarytenoid and: all together: mucous membrane draped over, complex structure. Sounds produced by exhalation over vocal folds; air pressure changes cause vibration of vocal folds and gives initial sound emanating from larynx. Sounds modified by resonance and overtones of vocal tract. Sound can be controlled via breathing (fast inhalation, controlled expiration) Thicker vocal folds dampen vibrations and give lower voices. In infant, larynx is higher up and smaller, higher pitched.
