Vocal Fold Structure
What are the five layers of the vocal folds?
Epithelium, superficial lamina propria, intermediate lamina propria, deep lamina propria, and vocalis muscle.
What is the most widely accepted theory of vocal fold vibration?
The myoelastic-aerodynamic theory.
At birth, the larynx is approximately what percentage of its adult size?
About 33%.
What term means a complete loss of voice?
Aphonia.
Which muscle primarily stretches the vocal folds to raise pitch?
The cricothyroid muscle.
What model describes the vocal folds as consisting of a flexible cover and a stiffer body?
The body-cover model.
What physical principle is central to the myoelastic-aerodynamic theory?
The Bernoulli Effect.
What is the typical adult fundamental frequency (f₀) for males and females?
Males ~130 Hz; females ~190 Hz.
What are bilateral, callous-like growths caused by vocal abuse?
Vocal nodules.
What factor primarily determines vocal intensity (loudness)?
Subglottal pressure.
Which layer of the vocal folds provides elasticity for vibration?
The superficial lamina propria (SLP).
What theory emphasized the role of nerve impulses and was later disproven?
The neurochronaxic theory.
What term refers to age-related voice changes such as hoarseness and breathiness?
Presbyphonia.
Which neurological condition leads to a breathy, monopitch voice due to basal ganglia degeneration?
Parkinson’s disease.
What happens to frequency when vocal fold tension increases?
Frequency increases (pitch rises).
At what age are all layers of the lamina propria typically mature?
By ages 7–10.
Which theory incorporates viscosity and phase differences in the vocal folds?
The mucoviscoelastic–aerodynamic theory.
Which muscle atrophies with age, leading to a breathy or weak voice?
The thyroarytenoid muscle.
What condition is characterized by reflux of stomach acid into the larynx?
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
What therapy technique uses high-effort phonation to improve loudness in Parkinson’s patients?
LSVT LOUD.
How do elastin and collagen levels change with aging in the lamina propria?
Elastin decreases and collagen increases.
What three major forces interact in the myoelastic-aerodynamic theory?
Muscular, elastic, and aerodynamic forces.
What neural change occurs in the recurrent laryngeal nerve with aging?
Thinning of the myelin sheath.
What cancer-related surgery removes the voice source entirely?
Laryngectomy.
What type of exercises improve glottal closure and vocal flexibility through partial vocal tract occlusion?
Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises.