Vocal Cord
Have we ever wondered that whatever we want we get it by saying or expression. One of the best modes to express our feelings is by our voice. We can say that voice is one of the medium by which one recognises us as well.
The size that is of vocal cords generally affects the pitch of voice. This opens when there is a process of breathing and vibrating for speech or singing and then the folds are controlled via the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve.
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Parts of Production of Voice
The means of communication is said to be very essential for the well-being of any animal and human as well. Even the organisms which are the microorganisms communicate with each other by means of chemicals. Fortunately we can say that our means of communication are far better than that. So we rely on it every day to interact with others. As is the case with walking and seeing, taking as well. We can say that the human voice is very versatile and this is rich both incontent and range. We generally use it to laugh and cry and scream as well as shout, sing and the list goes on. The human voice which is produced by the vocal cord is capable of producing highly sound intricate. We can tell if our mother is angry at us by her voice. Some people do one better and can tell if people are lying that too just by their voice.
Following Are Said to Be the Main Parts of Production of Voice
We can say that the power source: that is lungs.
The vibrator: that is the voice box.
The resonator: that is the throat, mouth, nose and sinuses.
The Power Source: Which is Lungs
We can say that the lungs here perform the essential function of supplying adequate airflow and air pressure in order to vibrate the vocal cord. When we inhale the oxygen that is when we draw air into the lungs. This air is then later exhaled which is creating a stream of air that is through our wide throat and pipe. This is said to be very exciting that the air provides the energy to vibrate the vocal cords in the box or we say the voice box to produce sound. If we want to make a sound that is loud then we have to exhale hard to create a strong airflow.
The Vibrator: The Voice Box
The part of the throat that generally moves when we swallow is called a voice box. The Voice Box that is the Larynx sits on the top of the wide pipe. The voice box is said to be a part of the wide pipe and the exhaled air which is from our lungs generally passes through the voice box. The vocal cord generally consists of two tight strings that open during breathing and later close when we exhale to make a sound. They vibrate very fast that is almost from 100 to 1000 times per second in terms. We may vary the pitch that is which explains the concept of frequency and pitch etc by controlling the tension in the muscles that is present in the voice box. The vocal cord is generally also known as a fold that is the vocal fold. The vocal cord generally modulates the flow of air from the lungs.
The Resonator: That Includes Throat and Nose and Mouth and Sinuses
The chords that are the vocal cords by themselves produce only a buzzing sound much like a bee. The sound is not usually created by vocal cords. Instead we can say that it is created by the interactions of the vibrations which are created by our vocal cord with the muscles and tissues which are present in your mouth, nose, throat and tongue. When we talk, our tongue generally darts all around our mouth which is helping us to pronounce complex syllables. The vibrations that are said to be deliberately altered in our throat and mouth to produce the unique voice of humans.
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Disorders of Voice
There are many disorders which affect the voice of humans. These usually include speech impediments and the growths and lesions on the folds of the vocal box. We are talking improperly for long periods of time causing vocal loading which is stress inflicted on the organ of speech. When vocal injury is done then often an specialist of the ENT may be able to help but we can say that the best treatment is said to be the prevention of injuries through good vocal production. The therapy of voice is generally said to be delivered by a speech-language pathologist.
The nodules which are the vocal are generally caused over time by repeated abuse of the vocal cords which results in soft and then the swollen spots on each vocal cord. These spots which usually develop into harder that is the callous-like growths known as the nodules. The longer and the abuse generally occurs the larger and stiffer the nodules will become. We can say that most polyps are larger than nodules and may be known by other names such as polypoid degeneration or the Reinke's edema. The polyps are said to be caused by a single occurrence and may require removal from surgery. The irritation which occurred after the removal may then lead to nodules if additional irritation persists for a longer time. The hoarseness or the breathiness that lasts for more than two weeks is a symptom that is common of an underlying disorder of the voice such as nodes or polyps and should be investigated medically.
FAQs on Human Voice - How Do Humans Create Sound with their Vocal Cord
1. How do humans produce sound using their voice?
Humans produce sound in a simple process. First, the lungs push air up through the windpipe. This air reaches the larynx, also known as the voice box. Inside the larynx are two small bands of muscle called the vocal cords. When we speak, these cords come together and the air passing through makes them vibrate, which creates sound waves.
2. What is the main function of the larynx, or voice box?
The larynx has a few important jobs, but its main function related to voice is to house and protect the vocal cords. It controls the airflow from the lungs and uses this air to create the vibrations in the vocal cords that form the basis of our voice. It is located in the upper part of the throat.
3. How do we change the pitch of our voice to be high or low?
We change our voice's pitch by adjusting the tightness of our vocal cords.
- For a high-pitched sound: The muscles in the larynx tighten the vocal cords, making them thinner and vibrate faster.
- For a low-pitched sound: The muscles relax the vocal cords, making them looser and vibrate slower.
4. What role do the lungs, mouth, and nose play in producing speech?
While the vocal cords create the initial sound, other parts are essential for turning that sound into clear speech. The lungs provide the necessary airflow. The sound then travels to the mouth, nose, and throat, which act as resonators that amplify the sound. Finally, we use our tongue, lips, and teeth to shape the sound into specific words.
5. Why do men's and women's voices typically sound different?
The difference is mainly due to the size of the larynx and vocal cords. During puberty, a male's larynx grows significantly larger (forming the 'Adam's apple'), and their vocal cords become longer and thicker. Just like thicker strings on a cello produce a lower sound than the thinner strings on a violin, these longer and thicker cords vibrate more slowly, resulting in a deeper, lower-pitched voice.
6. How is the human voice box similar to a wind instrument like a flute?
Both the human voice and a flute use a column of air to create sound. In the human voice, the lungs provide the air, and the vocal cords vibrate. In a flute, the player blows air across an opening, causing the air inside the flute's body to vibrate. The key similarity is the use of vibrating air as the fundamental source of sound.
7. If the sound comes from the vocal cords, why does my voice sound different when I have a cold?
When you have a cold, the mucous membranes in your larynx can become swollen and inflamed. This swelling affects how your vocal cords vibrate, making them heavier and less flexible. As a result, they vibrate more slowly and irregularly, which is why your voice might sound hoarse, raspy, or deeper than usual until the swelling goes down.
