Voiceproblem.org: Anatomy and Physiology of Voice Production

Anatomy and Physiology of Voice Production: Highlights

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Key Glossary Terms

Larynx
voice box

Vocal Folds or Vocal Cord
"fold-like" soft tissue that is the main vibratory component of the voice box; comprised of a 1) cover = epithelium + superficial lamina propria; 2) vocal ligament = intermediate and deep laminae propria; 3) body = thyroarytenoid muscle

Glottis
opening between the two vocal folds; the glottis open during breathing and close during swallowing and sound production

Glossary

Understanding Voice Disorders

Knowing how normal voice is produced and the roles the voice box and its parts play in speaking and singing helps patients understand their voice disorders.

Voice "As We Know It"

The "spoken word" results from three components of voice production: voiced sound, resonance and articulation.

Voiced sound: The basic sound produced by vocal fold vibration is called "voiced sound." This is frequently described as a "buzzy" sound. Voiced sound for singing differs significantly from voiced sound for speech.
Resonance: Voice sound is amplified and modified by the vocal tract resonators (the throat, mouth cavity, and nasal passages). The resonators produce a person's recognizable voice.
Articulation: The vocal tract articulators (the tongue, soft palate, and lips) modify the voiced sound. The articulators produce recognizable words.

Voice Mechanism

Speaking and singing involve a voice mechanism that is composed of three subsystems. Each subsystem is composed of different parts of the body and has specific roles in voice production.

3 Voice Subsystems

Subsystem	Voice Organs	Role in Sound Production
Air Pressure System	Diaphragm, chest muscles, ribs, abdominal muscles Lungs	Provides and regulates air pressure to cause vocal folds to vibrate
Vibratory System	Voice box (larynx) Vocal folds	Vocal folds vibrate, changing air pressure to sound waves producing "voiced sound," which is frequently described as a "buzzy sound" Varies pitch of sound
Resonating System	Vocal tract: throat (pharynx), oral cavity, nasal passages	Changes the "buzzy sound" into a person's recognizable voice

Key Functions of the Voice Box

The key function of the voice box is to open and close the glottis (the space between the two vocal folds).

Role in breathing: open glottis
Role in cough reflex: close, then open glottis
Role in swallowing: close glottis
Role in voice: close glottis and adjust vocal fold tension + additional functions for singing

Key Components of the Voice Box

Cartilages
Muscles
Nerves
Vocal folds

Abnormalities or Changes in the Vibratory System Result in Voice Disorders

Voice disorders refer to breakdowns in the vibratory system – the focus of this patient education series.
Breakdowns can occur in any one or all three subsystems of voice production.

Understanding How Voice is Produced

Advisory Note

Patient education material presented here does not substitute for medical consultation or examination, nor is it intended to provide advice on the medical treatment appropriate to any specific circumstances.

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