A person's vocal cords are located in the... Function and structure of the vocal cords

Vocal data of formations are called because in rare cases of pathology, injury or surgical removal true vocal folds, false ones (after some practice) are able to take on the function of creating a voice.

Of course, the human voice in this case is very rough and bears little resemblance to the real one, but in the vocal tract, thanks to the oropharyngeal resonator, formants arise that make it possible to create vowel sounds. At least a person has some kind of ersatz version of speech.

The ability of false cords to produce a sound wave is one of the arguments of supporters of the myoelastic theory of voice formation.

The main role of the false ligaments in the human body is to close the entrance to the respiratory tract. At the moment of air retention, as well as during other conditions of the body, for example, straining, coughing, the false vocal cords are able to completely block the entrance to the trachea, working simultaneously with other sphincters located in the vocal tract.

The function of false ligaments is subordinate to the deep control systems of the brain (reflex), and therefore is not controlled by consciousness. However, you can learn to control the contraction or opening of the false vocal cords to a large extent using the exercises developed within the EVT Method.

When singing, the false ligaments can be partially contracted (only with their anterior part). In this case, the sound of the voice will receive an additional wheezing sound, since the influence of the false cords on the true vocal folds will change the original frequency spectrum of the sound created by the true vocal folds. This practice is called “controlled vocal clamping”, and the sound that arises is called distortion (by analogy with the effect used in electric musical instruments).

In Russian sources you can often find the concept of “splitting”. It is necessary to understand that this term refers exclusively to the nature of the audible timbre - a “raucous” component is mixed into the “pure” sound. Insufficient understanding of the nature of the origin of such a sound, ignorance of the existence and peculiarities of the functioning of false vocal folds lead to an incorrect judgment about some kind of “splitting” (physical) of the true vocal folds themselves, which is completely impossible.

If the function of the false vocal folds is not under the control of the vocalist, then their work can (and often does) cause irreparable damage to the covering layers of the true vocal folds, which create vibration. As a result, the vocalist may forever lose the ability to create a “pure” voice, and, at maximum, aphonia (loss of voice) is quite likely.

The risk of triggering the “protective sphincter” - false vocal cords - increases significantly with the phonation of sonorant consonants S, Ш, Х, Ф, therefore, from the practices of advanced vocal schools, exercises (often still used in Russia), in which the student is required to exaggerately pronounce these sounds.

As an example, an unprepared person sharply shouts “Hey!” responds with a fleeting “scratch in the throat,” as many vocalists report. This effect is a small phonotrauma caused by the instantaneous reflex activation of the false vocal cords. Speaking in a “raised voice” also leads after some time to, if not painful, then quite noticeable consequences of the “scratch” - soreness, burning, increased secretion of mucus in the area of ​​the larynx.

The voice is as important to humans as hearing and vision. Responsible for his education
vocal cords, which are part of the vocal apparatus. But they alone are not enough to form human speech. The ligaments, together with the work of other organs such as the lungs, air cavities and larynx, create our voice.

Where are they located?

  • oral and nasal cavity;
  • pharynx;
  • larynx;
  • trachea;
  • bronchi;
  • lungs.

Vocal cords are located in the larynx. They are two elastic folds that are located on both sides, hence their second name, which is also often used. Their shape resembles lips, only they are placed in a vertical position.

In order for them to close and produce sound, many muscles must be involved. Between the two elastic folds is the glottis. Its function is to create sounds and protect against pieces of food from entering the respiratory tract. When a person wants to say something, air enters the ligaments, which causes them to vibrate and sound is formed.

Their inflammation causes problems with speech production and a sore throat. This is due to the fact that the distance between the folds becomes smaller, thereby leading to hoarseness in the voice or its complete loss.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of ligament inflammation. This can be either serious or independent occurrence of diseases of the vocal muscles: bronchitis, tonsillitis, whooping cough, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, many others;

Self-forming: hypothermia; loud screaming; smoking; allergic reactions; alcohol;
entry into the body of harmful substances such as dust, dirt, and so on.
How to restore ligaments will be discussed below. But first we need to mention the symptoms of inflammation.

As a rule, the most common ones are:

  1. sore throat, especially when swallowing;
  2. hoarse voice;
  3. lack of voice;
  4. severe dry cough, which sometimes turns into a wet one;
  5. weakness in the body and fever;
  6. chronic laryngitis can cause swelling of the larynx, fever up to 39 degrees and shortness of breath.

Ligament inflammation and treatment

In order for a person to speak well, the ligaments must be completely healthy, vibrate freely and be elastic. Even the mildest cold can lead to serious consequences and chronic diseases for life. Therefore, treatment cannot be put on hold. In addition, a sore throat may indicate a more terrible disease such as cancer.

Signs of cancer

The main danger of cancer of the vocal cords is that it is not easy to diagnose early stages education. The fact is that the tumor forms locally, does not behave aggressively and does not metastasize to nearby organs at a rapid pace. What can't be said about upper cancer respiratory tract.

Symptoms may appear already at the last stage, which makes its treatment very difficult. This is especially dangerous for smokers. After all, any changes in the voice in the form of hoarseness or hoarseness are not a problem for them. This is most likely the norm. At the same time, a malignant formation can already actively grow in the vocal cords.

Signs of cancer:

  1. hoarse voice, severe cough;
  2. so-called lump in the throat;
  3. poor health, rapid fatigue of the body, decreased immunity;
  4. anemia;
  5. whistling-like breathing;
  6. pain when swallowing.

As you can see, the signs of cancer and the common cold are very similar, so the problem must be quickly diagnosed and treated. When the first symptoms and discomfort in the throat appear, it is necessary consult a doctor immediately for a full medical examination and recovery.

Vocal dysphonia

Another problem associated with the voice is dysphonia. This disease is characterized by loss of vocal timbre. It can appear in a person at any age. The most common cause of dysphonia is excessive use of the voice.

It is easy to understand that school teachers, teachers in educational institutions, and announcers are most susceptible to the disease. Simply put, everyone who constantly says something, to the maximum. Most often, women turn to doctors. Also, under the influence of dysphonia, polyps and nodules form in the vocal apparatus.

Treatment of dysphonia

As a rule, it consists of a doctor prescribing special exercises and physical procedures for the vocal cords. If such rehabilitation does not produce results in the fight against nodules and polyps, then they have to be removed surgically.

At various diseases throat, people wonder how to treat a lost or hoarse voice. This is not surprising, because a person cannot function normally without speech.
Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Having previously diagnosed the disease. He prescribes special medications and procedures, such as heating or inhalation.

But you can help yourself too. Additional measures at home plus medications prescribed by your doctor will quickly restore your voice and get you back in order.

Recovery at home

Of course, if inflammation begins, you need to see a doctor, but you can also take the necessary measures to help restore your voice. All of them are simple, include the usual steps plus recipes traditional medicine. And it, as you know, has been used by people since ancient times and very often turned out to be much more effective than the traditional one.

♦ The first thing to do when the vocal cords are inflamed is to minimize all stress on the vocal apparatus. This is especially true for diseases such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, or simply a voice broken from screaming. There is no need to talk, you cannot even whisper. Because this leads to prolongation of the disease. Write notes if you need to say something.

♦ The second is to drink plenty of fluids. Water and warm drinks Help moisturize the larynx, which helps you recover faster.

♦ Third, under no circumstances should you drink alcohol, coffee, or smoke. Cigarette smoke irritates the throat, and caffeinated drinks dehydrate the body.

♦ Fourth is air humidity. It must be maintained at a certain level. To do this, you need to purchase special humidifiers or place containers of water around the room.

Traditional medicine

The recipes are all simple and accessible to everyone. In addition, preparing a decoction or infusion will not take much time and effort. And herbs are sold in pharmacies at prices affordable for anyone.

For a sore throat and for rehabilitation after an illness, it is good to use decoctions based on chamomile, coltsfoot, eucalyptus, St. John's wort, and sage. Warm milk with melted milk also helps. lard or oil. Ginger root with tea perfectly relieves inflammation and helps restore.

Herbs can be used not only for oral administration, but also for inhalation. A well-known recipe from childhood also helps - steaming your throat over hot potatoes.

Garlic copes well with infection. You can simply chew it.

Regular salt has a good effect. It should be used to gargle.

And, of course, honey. It can be added to tea, herbal decoction, or taken as usual. Important point! Honey loses everything beneficial properties in boiling water, so you only need to put it in warm liquid. You can simply place a spoonful of honey in your mouth without swallowing it. The honey will gradually flow down the throat, softening and providing a healing effect. Propolis also helps with inflammation of the vocal cords.

At the same time, you need to suck on cough drops. Since it only irritates the vocal apparatus, interfering with and injuring the ligaments.

Many vocal teachers advise feeling the sound in the stomach, on the diaphragm, on the tip of the nose, in the forehead, in the back of the head... Anywhere, but not in the throat, where the vocal cords are located. But this is a key point in the design of the voice apparatus! The voice is born precisely on the cords.

If you want to learn how to sing correctly, this article will help you better understand the structure of the vocal apparatus!

Physiology of the voice - vibrations of the vocal cords.

Let's remember from the physics course: sound is a wave, isn't it? Accordingly, the voice is a sound wave. Where do sound waves come from? They appear when a “body” oscillates in space, shakes the air and forms an air wave.

Like any wave, sound has movement. The voice must be sent forward even when you sing quietly. Otherwise, the sound wave will quickly fade away, the voice will sound sluggish or tense.

If you study vocals, but still don’t know what the vocal cords look like and where they are, the video below is a must-watch

The structure of the vocal apparatus: how the cords and voice work.

  • We take a breath, the lungs increase in volume.
  • As you exhale, the ribs gradually narrow and...
  • The air rises through the trachea and bronchi, to the pharynx, where the vocal cords are attached.
  • When a stream of air hits the vocal cords, they begin to vibrate: closing and opening hundreds of times per second and creating vibrations in the throat.
  • Sound waves from the vibration of the vocal cords spread throughout the body, like circles on water.
  • And then we direct the generated sound wave into the resonators with our attention - into the nose, mouth, we feel vibrations in the head, chest, face, back of the head...
  • We shape the resonating wave of sound into vowels and consonants with our tongue and lips, using diction and articulation.
  • We fill our mouth with sound, release it with an open smile forward and... sing!

Errors in the functioning of the vocal cords.

The structure of the voice apparatus consists of all the stages described above. If there are problems with at least one of them, you will not get a free and beautiful voice. More often, errors occur at the first or second stage, when we... The ligaments should not fight the exhalation! The smoother the stream of air that you exhale, the smoother the vibrations of the vocal cords, the voice sounds more uniform and beautiful.

If the breath flow is not controlled, then an uncontrolled stream of air comes out in a large wave at a time. The vocal cords are unable to cope with such pressure. There will be a non-closure of the ligaments. The sound will be sluggish and hoarse. After all, the tighter the ligaments are closed, the louder the voice!

And vice versa, if you hold your exhalation and, hypertonicity of the diaphragm (clamping) occurs. The air will practically not flow to the ligaments, and they will have to vibrate on their own, pressing against each other through force. And thus rub the calluses. They are nodules on the vocal cords. At the same time, during singing there are painful sensations- burning, soreness, friction. If you work in this mode constantly, the vocal cords lose elasticity.

Of course, there is such a thing as “belting,” or vocal screaming, and it is done with minimal exhalation. The ligaments close very tightly for a loud sound. But you can sing correctly using this technique only after understanding the anatomy and physiology of the voice.

The vocal cords and larynx are your first vocal instruments. Understanding how the voice and vocal apparatus works gives you limitless possibilities - you can change colors: sing with a more powerful sound, now ringing and flying, now tenderly and reverently, now with a metallic ringing tint, now in a half-whisper that touches the audience's soul... .

About 15 muscles of the larynx are responsible for the movement of the ligaments! And in the structure of the larynx there are also various cartilages that ensure proper closure of the ligaments.

This is interesting! Something from the physiology of the voice.

The human voice is unique:

  • People's voices sound different because each of us has different lengths and thicknesses of our vocal cords. Men have longer ligaments, and therefore their voice sounds lower.
  • The vibrations of the vocal cords of singers range from approximately 100 Hz (low male voice) to 2000 Hz (high female voice).
  • The length of the vocal cords depends on the size of a person's larynx (the longer the larynx, the longer the cords), so men have longer and thicker cords, unlike women with a short larynx.
  • The ligaments can stretch and shorten, become thicker or thinner, close only at the edges or along the entire length due to the special structure of the vocal muscles, which are both longitudinal and oblique - hence the different color of the sound and the strength of the voice.
  • In conversation we use only one tenth of the range, that is, the vocal cords are capable of stretching ten times more in each person, and the voice can sound ten times higher than a spoken one, this is inherent in nature itself! If you realize this, it will be easier.
  • Exercises for vocalists make the vocal cords elastic and make them stretch better. With elasticity of ligaments voice range increases.
  • Some resonators cannot be called resonators because they are not voids. For example, the chest, the back of the head, the forehead - they do not resonate, but vibrate from the sound wave of the voice.
  • With the help of sound resonance you can break a glass, and the Guinness Book of Records describes a case in which a schoolgirl shouted above the noise of a taking off plane using the power of her voice.
  • Animals also have vocal cords, but only humans can control their voice.
  • Sound does not travel in a vacuum, so it is important to create the movement of exhalation and inhalation to produce sound as the vocal cords vibrate.

What length and thickness are your vocal cords?

It is useful for every aspiring vocalist to go to an appointment with a phoniatrist (a doctor who treats the voice). I send students to him before starting their first vocal lessons.

The phoniatrist will ask you to sing and use technology to show you how your voice works and how your vocal cords work during the singing process. He will tell you how long and thick the vocal cords are, how well they close, what subglottic pressure they have. All this is useful to know in order to better use your vocal apparatus. Professional singers go to the phoniator once or twice a year for preventive maintenance - to make sure that everything is fine with their ligaments.

We are accustomed to using our vocal cords in life; we do not notice their vibrations. And they work even when we are silent. It’s not for nothing that they say that the vocal apparatus imitates all the sounds around us. For example, a rattling tram passing by, people screaming on the street, or the bass from the speakers at a rock concert. Therefore, listening to quality music has a positive effect on your vocal cords and improves your vocal level. And silent exercises for vocalists (there are some) train your voice.

Vocal teachers do not like to explain the physiology of the voice to their students, but in vain! They are afraid that the student, having heard how to close the vocal cords correctly, will begin to sing “on the cords”, the voice will become tight.

In the next article we will look at a technique that helps you easily control your voice and hit high notes just because your vocal cords are working correctly.

The most ancient musical instrument is the voice. And ligaments are its main component. Always feel your vocal cords working when singing! Study your voice, be more curious - we ourselves do not know our capabilities. And hone your vocal skills every day.

Subscribe to the O VOCALE blog news, where a small life hack will soon appear on how to feel if you are closing your vocal cords correctly when breathing.

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Interactive application

Vocal apparatus from bottom to top: diaphragm - lungs - trachea (bronchi) - larynx - vocal folds (ligaments) - soft palate (pharynx) - oral cavity. It should be noted that when we talk about the voice as a musical instrument, the body of which is the person himself, then almost the entire body can be safely included in the vocal apparatus - from the frontal sinuses and other voids in the skull to the lower abdominal muscles involved in proper singing breathing , and even lower. As experienced singers say, “you need to sing in such a way that you feel everything - from the top of your head to your heels resting on the floor.”

Diaphragm- (lat. diaphragma) - unpaired broad muscle separating the pectoral and abdominal cavity, which serves to expand the lungs. Conventionally, its border can be drawn along the lower edge of the ribs. It is formed by a system of striated muscles, which, apparently, are derivatives of the rectus abdominis muscle system.

The diaphragm contracts and relaxes, and just like other muscles in our body, it can be trained. It is often called a “vocal support,” hence the common expression of many teachers and vocalists: “singing on a support.” Literally this means: sing using your diaphragm.

The diaphragm is responsible for the evenness, stability of sound, and singing without trembling (not to be confused with vibrato); sound strength (dynamics); partially the brightness of the timbre.

Above the diaphragm are lungs, in the area chest located above the lungs trachea- a branched air duct connecting the lungs to each other and to the larynx.

Larynx(lat. larynx) - area respiratory system, which connects the pharynx to the trachea and contains the vocal apparatus. The larynx is located at the level of 4-6 cervical vertebrae and is connected by ligaments to hyoid bone. Above, the larynx is connected to the pharyngeal cavity, below - to the trachea.

The larynx contains the vocal apparatus, which is represented by vocal cords- folds of the mucous membrane of the larynx, protruding into its cavity, containing the vocal cord and vocal muscle. The vocal cords arise from the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages and are attached to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage. Above the vocal folds, parallel to them, are the folds of the vestibule.

So what is the correct way to say: folds or ligaments?
In professional vocabulary and in old manuals, speech therapists, phoniatrists, and vocal teachers often use the term “vocal cords” or “cords” instead of “folds.” Thus both names are correct.

The vocal cords (lat. plica vocalis) are the organ responsible for the formation of a sound wave due to the vibration of the vocal muscles. The sound wave, passing through the space of the soft palate (borders: from the vocal cords to the small tongue) and the oral cavity (articulatory apparatus), is converted into a full-fledged scale that is accessible to ordinary hearing.

Oral cavity(articulatory apparatus) includes the lips, teeth and tongue - all of these organs are important in the production of sounds. Associated with them are concepts such as articulation and diction.

The process of voice formation looks like this: when you inhale, the diaphragm tightens, sagging downwards with the help of relaxation of the abdominal wall and rib muscles, the vacuum formed in the lungs is filled with air. During exhalation, the rib and abdominal muscles push the diaphragm upward, which in turn leads to compression and subsequent release of air from the lungs. Air under pressure passes through the trachea to the larynx, through the vocal cords, where, with the help of vibrations of the ligamentous muscles that restrain the air flow, it is converted into a sound wave. The sound wave passes through the soft palate (pharynx) and enters the oral cavity, where the sound wave is formed into individual sounds and sound combinations.

For some vocalists, the sound wave does not come out quite correctly, entering the nasopharynx and acquiring a characteristic nasal sound, which is very noticeable during performance. This occurs because the resulting sound is not given enough space to exit through the oral cavity and fills the only available space. To avoid this, you need to monitor the position of the soft palate (pharynx); it should be well open (as in a yawn).

Head resonators

What are resonators

The voice represents sound vibrations (mechanical vibrations of air molecules), that is, it propagates in the air. All organs that air passes through on the way from the lungs to the external space are cavities filled with air. These cavities constitute a system of resonators that creates a unique instrument - the human voice. Cavities - empty spaces - are very similar to the hollow body of other musical instruments: guitar, violin, piano, flute, bell, drum, trumpet... Throughout its entire path, the sound wave resonates inside our body, which ensures singing brightness and sharpness of sound.

The cavities located above the vocal folds are called top or head resonators. Together with the nasal cavity, they include four pairs of paranasal sinuses: maxillary (maxillary), frontal (frontal), main and ethmoid. Sometimes this includes the oropharyngeal cavity, consisting of the pharynx and oral cavity.

What our vocal folds look like when we sing

Larynx

The author of the article about the larynx is Olga Gurova, Candidate of Biological Sciences, senior researcher, associate professor of the Department of Human Anatomy of the RUDN University. (Original article)

The larynx is an organ of the respiratory system that performs the functions of air conduction and voice formation.

Larynx- This is a kind of musical instrument of the human body that allows you to speak, sing, express your emotions in a quiet voice or a loud cry. As part of the respiratory tract, the larynx is a short tube with dense cartilaginous walls. The rather complex structure of the walls of the larynx allows it to generate sounds of different heights and volumes.

The larynx is located in the anterior region of the neck at the level of the IV-VI cervical vertebrae. With the help of ligaments, the larynx is suspended from the hyoid bone, as a result of which it lowers and rises with it during swallowing. From the outside, the position of the larynx is noticeable by the protrusion, strongly developed in men and formed by the thyroid cartilage. In common parlance, this protrusion is called “Adam’s apple”, or “ adam's apple" Behind the larynx is the pharynx, with which the larynx communicates; large vessels and nerves pass along the side. The pulsation of the carotid arteries can be easily felt in the neck on the sides of the larynx. Below, the larynx passes into the trachea. In front of the trachea, reaching the larynx, is the thyroid gland.

The hard skeleton of the larynx consists of three unpaired cartilages - the thyroid, cricoid and epiglottis - and three paired ones, the most important of which are the arytenoids. The cartilages of the larynx are connected to each other by joints and ligaments and can change their position due to the contraction of the muscles attached to them.

The base of the larynx forms the cricoid cartilage, which resembles a horizontally lying ring: its narrow “arch” faces forward, and its wide “signet” faces back. The lower edge of this cartilage connects to the trachea. The thyroid and arytenoid cartilages join the cricoid cartilage from above. The thyroid cartilage is the largest and is part of the anterior and lateral walls of the larynx. It distinguishes two quadrangular plates, connected to each other at a right angle in men, forming an “Adam’s apple,” and at an obtuse angle (about 120°) in women.

The arytenoid cartilages are pyramid-shaped, their triangular base is movably connected to the plate of the cricoid cartilage. From the base of each arytenoid cartilage a vocal process extends forward, and a muscular process extends to the side. The muscles that move the arytenoid cartilage around it are attached to the latter. vertical axis. This changes the position of the vocal process to which the vocal cord is connected.

The top of the larynx is covered by the epiglottis, which can be compared to a “lifting door” above the entrance to the larynx (see Fig. 1). The lower pointed end of the epiglottis is attached to the thyroid cartilage. Wide upper part With each swallowing movement, the epiglottis descends and closes the entrance to the larynx, thereby preventing food and water from entering the respiratory tract from the pharynx.

All cartilages of the larynx are hyaline and can undergo ossification, except for the epiglottis and the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage, which are formed by elastic cartilaginous tissue. As a result of ossification, which sometimes occurs before the age of 40, the voice loses flexibility and acquires a hoarse, creaky tone.

For the production of sound, the vocal cords, which are stretched from the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages to the inner surface of the angle of the thyroid cartilage, are of utmost importance (Fig. 2). Between the right and left vocal cords there is a glottis through which air passes during breathing. Under the influence of muscles, the cartilages of the larynx change their position. The muscles of the larynx are divided into three groups according to their function: they expand the glottis, narrow the glottis, and change the tension of the vocal cords.

The cavity of the larynx is lined with a mucous membrane, which is extremely sensitive: the slightest touch of a foreign body to it reflexively causes a cough. Covers the mucous membrane of the larynx, excluding only the surface of the vocal cords, ciliated epithelium with a large number of glands.

Under the mucous membrane of the larynx lies a fibroelastic membrane. The laryngeal cavity is shaped like an hourglass: the middle section is strongly narrowed and limited above by the folds of the vestibule (“false vocal folds”), and below by the vocal folds (Fig. 3). On the lateral walls of the larynx between the fold of the vestibule and the vocal fold, rather deep pockets are visible - the ventricles of the larynx. These are the remains of voluminous “voice sacs”, which are well developed in apes and, apparently, serve as resonators. Under the mucous membrane of the vocal fold are the vocal cord and vocal muscle, under the mucous membrane of the vestibular fold is the fixed edge of the fibroelastic membrane.

Functions of the larynx

It is customary to distinguish four main functions of the larynx: respiratory, protective, phonatory (voice-forming) and speech.

  • Respiratory. When you inhale, air from the nasal cavity enters the pharynx, from it into the larynx, then into the trachea, bronchi and lungs. When you exhale, air from the lungs travels all the way through the respiratory tract in the opposite direction.
  • Protective. The movements of the cilia covering the mucous membrane of the larynx continuously clean it, removing the smallest particles of dust that enter the respiratory tract. Dust surrounded by mucus is released as phlegm. Reflex cough is an important protective device of the larynx.
  • Phonatornaya. The occurrence of sound is associated with vibration of the vocal cords during exhalation. The sound may vary depending on the tension of the ligaments and the width of the glottis. A person consciously regulates this process.
  • Speech. It should be emphasized that only the formation of sound occurs in the larynx; articulate speech occurs when the organs of the oral cavity work: the tongue, lips, teeth, facial and masticatory muscles.

The first is the voice, the second is the melody

A person’s ability to produce sounds of different strength, pitch and timbre is associated with the movement of the vocal cords under the influence of a stream of exhaled air. The strength of the sound produced depends on the width of the glottis: the wider it is, the louder the sound. The width of the glottis is regulated by at least five muscles of the larynx. Of course, the force of exhalation itself, caused by the work of the corresponding muscles of the chest and abdomen, also plays a role. The pitch of the sound is determined by the number of vibrations of the vocal cords in 1 second. The more frequent the vibrations, the higher the sound, and vice versa. As you know, tightly stretched ligaments vibrate more often (remember a guitar string). The muscles of the larynx, in particular the vocal muscle, provide the necessary tension to the vocal cords. Its fibers are woven into the vocal cord along its entire length and can contract either as a whole or in separate parts. Contraction of the vocal muscles causes the vocal cords to relax, causing the pitch of the sound they produce to decrease.

Having the ability to vibrate not only as a whole, but also in individual parts, the vocal cords produce additional sounds to the main tone, the so-called overtones. It is the combination of overtones that characterizes the timbre of the human voice, the individual characteristics of which also depend on the state of the pharynx, oral cavity and nose, movements of the lips, tongue, lower jaw. The airways located above the glottis act as resonators. Therefore, when their condition changes (for example, when the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses swells during a runny nose), the timbre of the voice also changes.

Despite the similarities in the structure of the larynx of humans and apes, the latter are not able to speak. Only gibbons are capable of producing sounds that are vaguely reminiscent of musical sounds. Only a person can consciously regulate the force of exhaled air, the width of the glottis and the tension of the vocal cords, which is necessary for singing and speaking. Medical science The study of voice is called phoniatry.

Even in the time of Hippocrates, it was known that the human voice is produced by the larynx, but only 20 centuries later Vesalius (16th century) expressed the opinion that sound is produced by the vocal cords. Even now, there are various theories of voice formation, based on individual aspects of the regulation of vocal cord vibrations. Two theories can be cited as extreme forms.

According to the first (aerodynamic) theory, voice formation is the result of vibrational movements of the vocal folds in the vertical direction under the influence of an air stream during exhalation. The decisive role here belongs to the muscles involved in the exhalation phase and the muscles of the larynx, which bring the vocal cords together and resist the pressure of the air stream. Adjustment of muscle function occurs reflexively when the mucous membrane of the larynx is irritated by air.

According to another theory, the movements of the vocal folds do not occur passively under the influence of an air stream, but are active movements of the vocal muscles, carried out by command from the brain, which is transmitted along the corresponding nerves. The pitch of the sound, associated with the frequency of vibration of the vocal cords, thus depends on the ability of the nerves to conduct motor impulses.

Some theories cannot fully explain such a complex process as voice formation. In a person who has speech, the function of voice formation is associated with the activity of the cerebral cortex, as well as lower levels of regulation, and is a very complex, consciously coordinated motor act.

Larynx in nuances

A specialist can examine the condition of the larynx using a special device - a laryngoscope, the main element of which is a small mirror. For the idea of ​​this device, the famous singer and vocal teacher M. Garcia was awarded the title of honorary doctor of medicine in 1854.

The larynx has significant age and gender characteristics. From birth to 10 years of life, the larynx of boys and girls is virtually no different. Before the onset of puberty, the growth of the larynx in boys increases sharply, which is associated with the development of the sex glands and the production of male sex hormones. At this time, the boys’ voice also changes (“breaks”). Voice mutation in boys lasts about a year and is completed at the age of 14-15. In girls, the mutation occurs quickly and almost imperceptibly at the age of 13-14 years.

A man's larynx is on average 1/3 larger than a woman's, and the vocal cords are much thicker and longer (approximately 10 mm). Therefore, the male voice, as a rule, is stronger and lower than the female one. It is known that in the XVII-XVIII centuries. in Italy, 7-8 year old boys who were supposed to sing in the papal choir were castrated. Their larynx did not undergo any special changes during puberty and retained its child size. This achieved a high tone of voice, combined with male power performance and neutral timbre (between children's and men's).

Many organs and systems of the body take part in the formation of the voice, and this requires their normal functioning. Therefore, voice and speech are an expression not only of the normal activity of individual organs and systems, including the human psyche, but also of their disorders and pathological conditions. By changes in voice one can judge a person’s condition and even the development of certain diseases. It must be especially emphasized that any changes in hormonal levels in the body (in women - use hormonal drugs, menstruation, menopause) can lead to voice changes.

The sound energy of the voice is very small. If a person talks continuously, it will take only 100 years to produce the amount of thermal energy needed to brew a cup of coffee. However, voice (as necessary component human speech) is a powerful tool that changes the world around us!

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Vocal cords are important anatomical structures for humans, which are responsible for functions such as voice and protection of the lungs and bronchi from water, food or other substances entering them. foreign objects. There are ligaments in the middle part of the pharynx on the left and right sides, stretched in the center.

Anatomical features

  • The true vocal cords are two symmetrical folds of the laryngeal mucosa containing the vocal muscle and ligament. They have an individual structure that differs from other muscles;
  • false vocal cords are also called vestibular folds, as they are located in this area. They cover the submucosal tissue and muscle bundle. They take some part in closing and opening the glottis. But their true functions are manifested only during guttural singing and during the development of a pseudoligamentous voice.

Mystery of the Voice

The larynx, and accordingly the vocal folds, are organs and anatomical structures that depend on the level of hormones. Hence the difference in voice between men and women. In childhood, the voices of girls and boys sound approximately the same, but with the advent adolescence, the voice mutates, this feature is associated with changes in hormonal levels. Under the influence of male hormones, the larynx expands and lengthens, and the ligaments become denser. Due to such changes, the voice becomes rougher and lower. After the onset of adolescence in girls, the larynx undergoes very minor changes, due to which the voice remains high and ringing.

In some cases, there are atypical voices for men or women. Such phenomenal exceptions occur due to a genetic mutation or as a consequence of hormone imbalance.

With the advent of old age, changes in the voice are also noted, it becomes rattling and weak, this all happens due to the fact that the ligaments cease to close completely, as they become thinner and weaker. The deterioration of their function is also associated with insufficient production of hormones, which are practically not produced after the onset of aging.

  • hypothermia;
  • professions that require constant speech (teachers, actors, etc.);
  • diseases of the larynx, the treatment of which was not carried out in a timely manner.

Interesting fact! Speakers who give a speech continuously for 2-3 hours must rest their vocal cords for the next 8-9 hours, this is how long it takes for them to recover, otherwise they risk hoarseness or hoarseness.

Diseases

Unfortunately, like any other organ, the vocal cords are susceptible to various pathologies under the influence of one reason or another. Pathologies can be of a different nature; for some, simple manipulations and rest of the voice are enough to treat; for other diseases, surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation are required.

  • granuloma is a benign formation that can occur as a result of injury
    larynx or with systematic irritation of the ligaments. Manifestations of granuloma include hoarseness of voice, a feeling of presence foreign body in the larynx there is a desire to cough it up. Also granuloma, a formation that can cause pain as a result of its constant irritation when talking. Pain can occur not only in the larynx, but also radiate to the ear on the affected side. Externally, the granuloma is a pale pink formation; it can be located either on a wide or thin base. The formation tends to grow as long as it is subject to irritation, and in the case of the vocal cords, such an effect is irreversible. Regarding treatment, surgical intervention is carried out only after all conservative methods have proven ineffective. For conservative treatment It is important to eliminate the cause of the irritating factor and create complete vocal rest. If the granuloma is not irritated over time, it will resolve itself;
  • Vocal cord nodules are benign growths that arise as a result of constant overload of the cords. Most often they form in middle-aged women, as well as in people whose profession is related to singing or oratory. After frequent overloads, compactions form on the folds that resemble calluses; as the load continues, they continue to increase in size. The pathology has no special symptoms; only painless hoarseness of the voice may appear, which goes away after a short rest. The mainstay of treatment is voice therapy, using steroid medications to reduce swelling of the laryngeal folds. But after another overload of the ligaments, nodules can appear again; the disease is chronic. In some cases, removal of nodules using laser or cryosurgical methods is proposed;
  • polyps are benign formations that are usually localized in the middle of the vocal folds. Signs of polyps include hoarseness of the voice, and sometimes the feeling of a foreign body in the throat. Polyps have clear edges, mostly red, the structure of the growth can be lobular or have a smooth surface, and the sizes can vary. The cause of polyps is mainly trauma to the larynx and ligaments. Just like nodules, treatment of polyps is based on voice therapy; if it is not effective, surgical intervention is resorted to;
  • spasmodic dysphonia manifests itself in involuntary movements of the vocal folds. The causes of such disorders are most often mental disorders, severe stress or overload of ligaments. The disease is inherited, most often affecting people 30-40 years old. Spasmodic dysphonia is characterized by tension and unnaturalness of the voice. The pathology lies in the limitation motor function vocal cords. Injections are most often used for treatment special drugs to the ligament area. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely cure the pathology, but only to improve the patient’s condition. If the proper result is not obtained after the injections, surgery may be prescribed;
  • phonasthenia, a pathology expressed in weak closure of folds. Occurs due to vocal cord overload or fatigue nervous system. The main treatment method for phonasthenia is silence. In the chronic course of the disease without treatment, complete aphonia may develop, that is, loss of voice;
  • Vocal cord cancer is perhaps the most difficult disease that requires immediate treatment. The exact reasons for its development have not been established, but it is known that the factors influencing the occurrence atypical cells, are smoking and taking alcoholic drinks. Also malignant tumor may degenerate as a result of lack of treatment for precancerous diseases, for example, after polyposis. Treatment is prescribed individually; as a rule, it is surgical in nature, requiring removal of the tumor, as well as radiation exposure.

As you can see, the vocal cords are the main instrument that allows us to speak. But, not only the ability to speak, but also the protection of the respiratory tract depends on their work, since the folds block the path for accidentally falling crumbs or water to enter the lungs or bronchi. Most often, people who have to talk a lot and loudly, singers, actors, and teachers encounter dysfunction of these anatomical structures. They are more susceptible than others to the risk factor for the formation of ligament diseases; to prevent them, one should follow a vocal regime and give proper rest to the ligaments. In this case, they will reward you with smooth functioning of your voice without hoarseness.

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