Physiology of Phonation Study Guide

A collection of flashcards designed to highlight key concepts and terms related to the physiology of phonation.

What does elasticity refer to in vocal fold properties?

The ability of tissue to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.

What is inertia in relation to vocal folds?

Resistance to change in motion; it keeps the folds moving once air sets them in motion.

How does stiffness relate to vocal fold properties?

It describes the strength of elasticity – how firmly tissue resists being deformed.

What is F₀ in acoustics?

The fundamental frequency which is the lowest frequency of vocal fold vibration that determines pitch.

What are the average fundamental frequencies for males, females, and children?

Males: ~120 Hz, Females: ~220 Hz, Children: ~250 Hz.

What are harmonics?

Whole-number multiples of F₀ (e.g., 2F₀, 3F₀).

What does jitter indicate about a voice?

Cycle-to-cycle frequency variation; high jitter indicates an unstable or rough voice.

What is vibrato in vocal performance?

Small, rapid pitch changes that create a musical effect, not considered a vocal register.

Which muscle stretches and tenses the vocal folds to raise pitch?

Cricothyroid (CT).

What does the thyrovocalis muscle do?

Fine-tunes pitch by increasing medial tension.

What is the function of the thyromuscularis muscle?

Relaxes vocal folds to lower pitch.

Which muscle is responsible for adducting the vocal folds?

Lateral Cricoarytenoid (LCA).

What is unique about the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle?

It is the only abductor, meaning it opens the vocal folds.

What are the key traits of glottal fry?

Very low pitch (30–80 Hz), long closed phase, syncopated popping sound.

What characterizes falsetto voice?

High pitch where only the edges of the vocal folds vibrate.

What happens during a whisper?

It is non-phonatory; the folds don’t vibrate but are slightly adducted.

What is the Myloelastic-Aerodynamic Theory?

The most accepted theory of vocal fold vibration, originating from airflow and elasticity.

Why was the Neurochronaxic Theory debunked for humans?

It claimed each vibration was triggered by a nerve impulse, which is only true for cat purring.

What actions can raise vocal pitch?

Cricothyroid contracts, thyrovocalis fine-tunes tension, vocal folds become long, thin, and tense.

How can vocal intensity be increased?

By increasing subglottal pressure and medial compression for tighter closure.

What tip summarizes the relationship between muscles and pitch?

'CT + TV = Pitch Up'; 'TM = Pitch Down'.

What does 'More Air + Tighter Closure = Louder Voice' imply?

To achieve louder vocal output, one must increase airflow and achieve tighter closure of the vocal folds.

What does jitter signify about frequency?

It indicates frequency fluctuation.

How is vibrato distinct from vocal registers?

Vibrato is characterized as a musical wobble rather than a vocal register.