Voice and Voice Disorders
How the Voice works
The larynx, or “voicebox,” is an organ
with two important functions. Part of the respiratory
(breathing) system, the larynx closes off during
swallowing to prevent entry of foreign material
(i.e. food or liquid) into the airway, or aspiration.
The larynx also serves to produce voice through
complex interactions with the muscles of the abdomen,
back and rib cage, lungs, throat, mouth, and nose.
During voice production, the vocal folds (or vocal
cords) open and close rapidly. Changes in
vocal pitch and loudness are accomplished through
shortening and lengthening of the vocal folds along
with fluctuations in airflow. On average,
the vocal folds come together approximately 100
times per second in men; and nearly double
that number to women to 220 times per second.
What is a
Voice Disorder?
Signs and Symptoms
Common Voice
Disorders
Analysis/Medical
Exam/Therapy
Healthy Voice |
