SLPA 3705 Chapter Notes: Phonation
9 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
The conversion of air into sound is a complex process. In the human body, this conversion occurs in the larynx. Voice production involves air pressure and flows generated by respiration and by the muscular and elastic properties of the vocal folds. The larynx is a cartilaginous structure in the anterior neck. There are 3 major cartilages for voicing: thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid. The arytenoids are paired while the thyroid and cricoid are single units. As a result of the nature of the cartilage in general, the larynx is partially supported by these structures. The other contributing anatomical part of laryngeal support are the muscles that are connected to the cartilage. The tension created during muscle contraction results in the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages moving on the joints that each has on the superior surface of the cricoid cartilage. There are two joints that are critical in the laryngeal system.
