Physiological mechanisms of vocal frequency control: The role of tension

Abstract

Control of fundamental frequency by the human voice may be accomplished using a variety of physiological mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are myoelastic and include the length, mass, and longitudinal tension of the vocal folds. In this paper, a review of some of the data concerning the mechanisms for the creation of tension in the vocal folds is presented. The physiological mechanisms for the development of passive tension are reviewed and the potential contribution of passive tension in the control of fundamental frequency is discussed. Some of the mechanisms for the development of active muscle tension are described and the biomechanical characteristics of muscle are considered in the effort to explain the physiological control of fundamental frequency in the human voice Control of fundamental frequency by the human voice may be accomplished using a variety of physiological mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are myoelastic and include the length, mass, and longitudinal tension of the vocal folds. In this paper, a review of some of the data concerning the mechanisms for the creation of tension in the vocal folds is presented. The physiological mechanisms for the development of passive tension are reviewed and the potential contribution of passive tension in the control of fundamental frequency is discussed. Some of the mechanisms for the development of active muscle tension are described and the biomechanical characteristics of muscle are considered in the effort to explain the physiological control of fundamental frequency in the human voice ErratumJournal of VoiceVol. 3Issue 2Preview Full-Text PDF