Stämbandsrörelse

Stämbandsrörelse refers to the physiological process by which the vocal folds, also known as vocal cords, produce sound. These folds are a pair of muscular flaps located in the larynx, or voice box. When we speak, sing, or even whisper, air expelled from the lungs passes through the glottis, the space between the vocal folds.

The movement of the vocal folds is complex and involves several muscles within the larynx. During quiet breathing, the vocal folds are apart, allowing air to pass freely. However, for voice production, they adduct, or come together. As air is pushed through the constricted glottis, it causes the vocal folds to vibrate. This vibration creates pressure waves in the air column above, which are then shaped by the vocal tract (pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity) into distinct sounds.

The frequency of vibration determines the pitch of the voice. Higher tension and longer vocal folds result in higher pitches, while lower tension and shorter folds produce lower pitches. The amplitude of vibration influences the loudness or intensity of the sound. Subtle changes in the shape and configuration of the vocal folds, controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles, allow for a wide range of vocalizations and expressive qualities. Any disruption to this intricate movement can affect voice quality and lead to voice disorders.