The vocal apparatus includes a whole system of different organs that, to one degree or another, take part in the formation of the voice. The vocal cords are one of the most important organs; they are located in the larynx and form the glottis. Air passing through this hole, under the influence of vibrations of these folds, creates sounds.
Voice apparatus
The vocal apparatus is a system of human internal organs that participate in the formation of the voice. The vocal cords alone are not enough to speak. Three main parts are needed: the lungs with a system of muscles for breathing, the larynx and the air cavities, which are resonators and emitters.
The vocal apparatus includes the oral and nasal cavities, through which sound passes, resonating and taking on the desired shape. This is followed by the pharynx and larynx, which contains special folds - the vocal cords. The trachea, bronchi and lungs are also involved in the formation of sound, they are helped by the muscles of the abdominal cavity. Also, part of the human vocal apparatus can be called the nervous system, which connects certain parts of the brain with motor nerves in the listed organs.
Vocal cords
Thus, the vocal cords are one of the most important organs for the formation of sounds, which is located in the middle of the apparatus, in the larynx. The larynx is located between the pharynx and the trachea and connects the two organs. It consists of several cartilages: epiglottis, thyroid, cricoid and other paired. The vocal cords or folds are attached to the thyroid and arytenoid: this is the mucous membrane of the larynx, which is not smooth, but folded. It consists of muscle and connective tissue.
The folds are located on the right and left in the form of two elastic formations, in the work of which muscles are involved. They are lip-shaped, only located vertically. There is a space between them - the glottis, which is needed not only for the formation of sounds, but also to protect the respiratory tract while eating.
When a person breathes, the vocal cords are widely spaced, and air smoothly and without interruptions passes through the gap, entering or exiting the lungs. But when you need to make a sound, the muscles of the laryngeal mucosa strain the vocal cords, the gap closes, then, under the influence of pressure, it opens, releasing part of the air. The folds move closer to each other and begin to vibrate. As a result, the air vibrates, producing sounds of different heights. The volume can be controlled by the force with which the air is pushed out, and the pitch of the sounds depends on the frequency of vibrations and the level of tension of the ligaments. With the help of muscles, folds can vibrate not only with their entire surface, but also in parts - for example, only at the edges or half of their mass.
