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Pressure-flow relationships during phonation as a function of adduction
F Alipour1, R C Scherer, E Finnegan
1Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1012, USA.
Summary
This study reveals a linear relationship between pressure and airflow in canine larynges during phonation. Glottal resistance increases as the vocal process gap narrows, offering insights into voice production aerodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Speech Science
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Understanding the aerodynamic principles of phonation is crucial for diagnosing and treating voice disorders.
- The relationship between subglottal pressure, airflow, and laryngeal resistance requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pressure-flow relationships in excised canine larynges across varying degrees of vocal fold adduction and length.
- To quantify the effect of adduction on glottal resistance and develop a predictive model.
Main Methods:
- Excised canine larynges were used to measure simultaneous subglottal pressure, airflow, and electroglottography.
- Vocal fold adduction was manipulated using mechanical attachments and shims, with adduction quantified by the vocal process gap.
Main Results:
- A linear pressure-flow relationship was observed within the experimental phonation range for each adduction level.
- Differential glottal resistance showed a significant increase as the vocal process gap decreased.
- A hyperbolic function model was developed to describe differential resistance based on vocal process gap.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a quantifiable relationship between laryngeal adduction, glottal resistance, and aerodynamic function.
- The findings provide a basis for computer simulations of speech production and offer clinical insights into laryngeal aerodynamics.