Phonatory / Laryngeal System Study Guide

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the phonatory and laryngeal system based on the provided study guide.

Larynx

A structure that functions as an airway passage, airway protection, and voice production, located below the hyoid bone and above the trachea.

True Vocal Folds

Vocal folds that vibrate to produce sound and protect the airway.

False Vocal Folds

Vocal folds that sit above the true folds and do not vibrate.

Abduction

The position of the vocal folds that means open (e.g., for breathing).

Adduction

The position of the vocal folds that means closed (e.g., for speech).

Hyoid Bone

The superior border of the larynx, suspended and includes body, greater horns, and lesser horns.

Trachea

The inferior border of the larynx, characterized by C-shaped rings.

Epiglottis

An unpaired cartilage that is leaf-shaped and covers the airway during swallowing.

Thyroid Cartilage

The largest unpaired cartilage of the larynx, shaped like a shield.

Cricoid Cartilage

A complete ring-shaped unpaired cartilage located below the thyroid cartilage.

Arytenoids

Paired cartilages that are pyramid-shaped, sit on the cricoid lamina, and include vocal and muscular processes.

Cricothyroid Joint

The joint that controls tension and pitch of the vocal folds.

Cricoarytenoid Joint

The joint that controls the opening and closing of the vocal folds.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

The main nerve responsible for laryngeal innervation.

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

Provides motor innervation to all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except cricothyroid.

Suprahyoid Muscles

Muscles that elevate the larynx, including digastric and mylohyoid.

Infrahyoid Muscles

Muscles that depress the larynx, including sternohyoid and omohyoid.

Thyroarytenoid Muscle

The muscle that includes thyrovocalis and thyromuscularis, and controls tension and adduction of the vocal folds.

Vocal Fold Vibration

Flow-induced, self-sustained oscillation that is necessary for sound production.

Fundamental Frequency (F0)

The number of vocal fold vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz), which determines pitch.

Vocal Intensity

The power of the sound generated during vocal fold vibration, perceived as loudness and measured in decibels (dB SPL).

Vocal Quality

Characteristics of the voice that can be affected by vocal fold vibration symmetry and pressure.

Vocal Registers

Ranges of frequencies produced with similar qualities, including modal, loft (falsetto), and pulse (glottal fry).