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Phonation is also known as voicing, It is the product of vocal folds vibrating that occur within the larynx, the vocal source for speech production. Relating it with the previous chapter, phonation occurs because of the energy source produced during respiration.
VOICED VS VOICELESS SOUND
Sounds can be generally classified into two: voiced and voiceless.
Voiced sounds are described as hard, percussive sounds. They occur through the vibration of the vocal folds. They have high amplitude and great intensity. The voiced consonants are as follows: B, D, G, J, L, M, N, Ng, R, Sz, Th (as in that), V, W, Y, and Z. The vocal folds play an important role in the production of sounds, especially in voiced ones. The vocal folds, which are mucous membranes, stretch across the larynx located at the throat's back portion. The vocal folds modulate the flow of breath through tightening and relaxing as one speaks.
On the other hand, voiceless sounds are slack sounds and are produced without the vibration of the vocal folds. The tongue, teeth, and lips engage to modulate the voiceless sounds. The voiceless consonants are as follows: Ch, F, K, P, S, Sh, T, and Th (as in "thing").
LARYNX
Another important structure in the process of phonation is the larynx. The larynx is located on top of the trachea. It opens up the upper esophageal sphincter, or the passageway or opening to the esophagus.
The larynx has the following basic functions:
Phonation - Since the larynx houses the vocal folds, it is considered as a vital player in the process of phonation. It also manipulates the pitch and volume.
Respiration - Although the lungs are primarily responsible for respiration, the larynx helps out in this process too. The larynx decreases the pressure in inhalation and increases the pressure during exhalation.
Pressure maintenance mechanism - When the vocal folds are adducted in the subglottal area, you are closing off the airway. This airway closure creates pressure subglottally, which is known as the valsalva maneuver.
VALSALVA MANEUVER
This is an important laryngeal function. This enables people to push down stool when defecating and gives additional force when lifting heavy weights. This also enables pregnant women to push the baby out of the uterus.
Protection - The larynx serves as a protection from foreign body, especially during swallowing or deglutition. It makes sure that the bolus passing through the pharyngeal cavity to the esophageal cavity will not go to the trachea or airway.
REFERENCES:
Barnes, S. (2019). Laryngeal Ligaments and Folds - Vocal - Vestibular - TeachMeAnatomy. TeachMeAnatomy. https://teachmeanatomy.info/neck/viscera/larynx/ligaments-folds/
Fuller, D. R., Pimentel, J. T., & Peregoy, B. M. (2012). Applied anatomy & physiology for speech-language pathology & audiology. Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.
Saran, M., Georgakopoulos, B., & Bordoni, B. (2021). Anatomy, Head and Neck, Larynx Vocal Cords. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535342/
Seikel, J. A., Drumright, D. G., & Seikel, P. (2013). Essentials of anatomy & physiology for communication disorders. Delmar Cengage Learning.
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