Age and Sex Differences in the Larynx

Question 1

Children VS Adults VS Older Adults (laryngeal/vocal fold structure differences)

Answer 1

Children

• Larynx higher in neck
• Smaller structure and glottal area
• More pliable cartilages
• Shorter vocal fold length
• Larger ratio between cartilaginous & membranous glottis

Older Adults

• Shorter vocal fold length
• Descent of larynx into neck
• Ossification/calcification of cartilage
• Stiffer, more brittle laryngeal joints (cricoarytenoid)
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Loss of elasticity
• Increase in collagen
• Swelling of lamina propria

Question 2

Children VS Adults (voice production)

Answer 2

Children

• Higher subglottal pressure
• Greater speed of closure
• Vocal folds close longer

Question 3

Males VS Females: children, adults, and older adults (larynx and fundamental frequency)

Answer 3

• No sex difference until 10 years old

Males

• Increase in length and thickness of vocal folds
• Decrease in F0
• Due to testosterone, membranous portions grows rapidly

Females

• Same steady growth as in childhood
• Smaller decrease in F0

Aging

• Men: Start earlier, more significant
  
  • Muscle atrophy, thinning lamina propria, loss of vocal fold mass
  • Increase in F0
• Women: edema (swelling) and decrease in estrogen, lowering F0