Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Synthetic, Multi-Layer, Self-Oscillating Vocal Fold Model Fabrication
Published on: December 2, 2011
A basic model to study acoustic evaluation of airway obstruction
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk.
Abstract:
Listening to a human airway to determine obstruction is a highly subjective art and an important clinical tool. Sophisticated acoustic monitoring techniques should be developed and tested in the laboratory before they are applied in the clinic. We describe construction of an acoustic tube model to study the mechanism of noise generation in a simulated obstructed human airway. Spectral differences were demonstrated between different amounts and locations of obstruction and changes resulting from variations in airflow using Fast-Fourier transform techniques. With this analog model, systematic research can be conducted to define expected patterns in obstructed human airways for use in the clinical setting.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

