Abstract
The study of rat ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) provides a unique window into understanding the neuromuscular changes in the human larynx that occur with aging. Rats communicate with each other using USVs to convey positive and negative affective states in a variety of communication situations, such as juvenile play, mating, and alerting one another to threats (Brudzynski, 2013). USVs are produced using a glottal constriction to generate a jet of air which creates a whistle (Hakansson et al., 2022). The frequency of this whistle is modulated using the same muscles that humans use to modulate our vocalization frequency (the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid) (Riede, 2011). The vocal fold cover is not engaged in vibration during USVs production. However, the neuromuscular similarities between rat USVs and human vocalizations make USVs a good model to investigate laryngeal neuromuscular mechanisms, such as the laryngeal muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs; the connections between peripheral nerves and muscle fibers).
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
