Observation of vocal fold vibration: Measurement of excised larynges.
| Number | 348 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
| Drawer | 6 |
| Entry Date | 06/15/1999 |
| Authors | Baer, T. |
| Contact | |
| Publication | In Vocal Fold Physiology, K. N. Stevens and M. Hirano (Eds.), 113-119 |
| url | http://www.haskins.yale.edu/Reprints/HL0348.pdf |
| Abstract | [Introduction] Recent empirical and theoretical studies of laryngeal anatomy, of laryngeal biomechanics, and of glottal aerodynamics have contributed substantially to the development of a detailed quantitative model of phonation. However, progress toward this end has been seriously hampered by the sparcity of detailed descriptions of phonatory vibration patterns, especially in the frontal plane. Studies with excised larynges can help substantially in this regard, since such preparations are accessible for observations and mearurements that are not possible with the intact larynx. A particular advantage is that birations can be observed from the inferior aspect (Matsushita, 1969, 1975; Baer, 1975) or the medial aspect (Matsushita, 1969, 1975), as well as from the normal superior aspect. Measurements can even be made within the folds, with the aid of novel x-ray techniques (Saito, 1977; also Chapter 8 of this book). An additional advantage is that laryngeal configuration and subglottal pressure can be maintained in steady state for extended durations while the vibrations are studied, and these (and other) parameters may be manipulated systematically and independently. Usefulness of data obtained from excised-larynx studies is, of course, somewhat limited, since the death of the tissues undoubtably changes their mechanical properties. More significantly, activity of the vocal is muscle, which forms part of the body of the vocal folds and which is normally active during phonation, cannot be adequately simulated. Nevertheless, development of a comprehensive, testable model for the vibratory mechanics of the ecised larynx on the basis of detailed data is a useful first step toward the development of a model for the intact larynx. In the study reported here, an optical technique was used to observe and measure mechanical vibrations from the superior and inferior aspects. Observations from the inferior aspect were made through a subglottal window, which afforded a direct view of the subglottal surface of the vocal folds. Particles attached to the vocal folds were optically tracked throughout the glottal syscle, using stroboscopic illumination while the larynx maintained steady state phonation. By tracking several particles “simultaneously”, it was possible to estimate the detailed |
| Notes | Book article, abstract not available |
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