Final Flashcards
define muscular antagonism
occurs when two or more sets of muscles contract in opposing directions. creates a balance (or struggle) that helps control bodily movement in a coordinated fashion.
name the 3 types of muscles found within the human body
cardiac and smooth (involuntary), skeletal (voluntary)
describe cardiac muscle
involuntary, found only in the heart
describe smooth muscle
involuntary, found primarily in the blood vessels (veins and arteries)
describe skeletal muscle
voluntary, consists of striated fibers, under voluntary control through the nervous system; all muscles of phonation, respiration, and articulation are skeletal muscles.
what types of muscles are skeletal muscles?
all muscles of phonation, respiration, and articulation are skeletal muscles.
define voluntary muscles
muscles under our control through the nervous system, though not necessarily “direct control.” identify: phonation, respiration, articulation muscles.
define involuntary muscles
muscles whose contraction cannot be consciously controlled. some degree of control is possible through indirect means. identify: cardiac and smooth (blood vessels).
define total lung capacity
the maximum amount of air that the lungs can contain, 4-7 liters
define vital capacity
the amount of air that can actually be expelled following a maximal inhalation, 3-5 liters
define residual volume
the difference between the total lung capacity and vital capacity, the quantity of air that cannot be expelled from the lungs regardless of the expiratory force applied, 1-2 liters
numbers for total lung capacity, vital capacity, and residual volume consecutively.
4-7 liters, 3-5 liters, 1-2 liters
what are the inspiratory muscles?
diaphragm and external intercostal muscles
define the diaphragm with 3 phrases (1)
- the primary muscle of inspiration
- a dome-shaped muscle
- second largest muscle of the body
what does the diaphragm bisect? (2)
it bisects the body, separating the contents of the thorax from the abdomen
how does the diaphragm function? (3)
on contraction, the diaphragm lowers and flattens. it acts like the plunger of a syringe.
what is the range of motion of the diaphragm? (4)
up to 6-7 centimeters
what does the diaphragm NOT do? (5)
it does not force air out of the body to assist in expiration. it does perform its work / contraction during inhalation. it is generally passive during exhalation, making little or no contribution to breath pressure or air flow.
what are the two unpaired muscles in the body? (6)
the diaphragm and procerus, all others are symmetrically paired
completely describe and define the diaphragm. (7)
the primary muscle of inspiration, a dome shaped muscle, second largest muscle in the body. it bisects the body separating the contents of the thorax from the abdomen. on contraction, the diaphragm lowers and flattens. it acts like the plunger of a syringe. its range of motion is up to 6-7 centimeters. the diaphragm DOES NOT force air out of the body to assist in expiration. the diaphragm performs its work- its contraction- during inhalation. it is generally passive during exhalation, making little or no contribution to breath pressure or air flow. it is an unpaired muscles, one of two in the body.
identify the 6 different sets of expiratory muscles.
internal intercostal muscles, and the 5 abdominals: external obliques, internal obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, quadratus lumborum.
identify 4 different breathing techniques.
clavicular, thoracic, abdominal, appoggio
where does clavicular breathing occur?
upper chest. pronounced lifting of the shoulders, clavicles, and thorax. poor for singing.
where does thoracic breathing occur?
lower chest
what is another term for abdominal breathing?
belly breathing
what is appoggio breathing?
a combination of thoracic and abdominal breathing
define epiglottis.
a curved structure that arises from the closed point (tip of the “v”) of the vocal folds. its purpose is to cover the airway during swallowing and direct food into the esophagus toward the stomach.
what are the different layers of tissue which construct the vocal folds?
- external layer or cover - “vocal fold mucosa”
- body of the vocal folds - thyroarytenoid muscle
- transitional layer that lies between the external “mucosa” and the internal thyroarytenoid muscle: in 3 layers: the superficial, intermediate, deep
identify the 3 transitional layers of the vocal folds
superficial (outer layer), intermediate (middle layer), deep (inner layer)
define mucosal wave
the surface of the vocal folds ripples in a wavelike motion
identify the cycle of phonation (1-8)
- the vocal folds are closed
- air pressure increases beneath the closed glottis.
- air pressure increases and begins to open the glottis (from bottom to top).
- glottis continues to open and air begins to excape.
- air velocity increases and pressure decreases (Bernouli Effect).
- low air pressure results in glottic beginning to close.
- glottis completes closure. (bottom to top)
- cycle repeats once closure is complete.
hyoid
a wishbone-shaped bone located in front of the neck, just below the jaw. the larynx “hangs” suspended from the Hyoid bone. Because the Hyoid bone has no joint connecting it to the skeleton, it enjoys a substantial freedom of movement, much like the patella or kneecaps.
define laryngeal drift
as you swallow, the hyoid and larynx ascend a little; if you yawn they descend. because the larynx is attached to the hyoid, any movement of that bone is transferred to the larynx.
what 5 cartilages form the basic laryngeal framework?
thyroid, cricoid, arytenoid, epiglottis, trachea
describe the thyroid cartilage.
it is shaped somewhat like a shield. it is the largest cartilage in the larynx. it forms a complete circle. it is basically on the “bottom” of the larynx where it attaches to the trachea.
describe cricoid cartilage.
it is the second largest cartilage in the larynx. it forms a complete circle. it is basically on the “bottom” of the larynx where it attaches to the trachea.
describe arytenoid cartilages.
these sit on top of the back of the cricoid cartilage. they are shaped like wilting pyramids that droop at the top toward the read of the larynx.
describe the epiglottis. (as one of the basic laryngeal framework)
it is found at the top of the larynx. it is basically a “flap” or cartilage that serves to fold over during swallowing to direct anything we swallow into the esophagus (gullet-stomach) and prevent it from going down the trachea (lungs).
describe the trachea.
also known as the windpipe. the trachea is composed of a series of cartilaginous rings held together and closed at the back by a membrane. this gives the gives the trachea great flexibility. resembles the flexible tubing that is used to vent clothes dryers.
define adduction
the drawing together of the vocal folds to close the glottis. must occur to initiate and sustain phonation.
define abduction.
to cease phonation and allow for inhalation, the vocal folds must be drawn apart, opening the glottis.
the pulling apart of the vocal folds to open the glottis.
where do the intrinsic laryngeal muscles exist?
these reside within the larynx itself and directly interact with the vocal folds or epiglottis
describe the extrinsic laryngeal muscles.
these connect to the larynx (often through the hyoid bone) and serve to position it in the vertical plane, raising and lowering it for swallowing and articulation.
define onset
the initiation of vocal tone which requires two actions:
- the vocal folds must be adducted
- breath pressure must be increased to the point pulmonary pressure exceeds phonatory threshold pressure
define phonatory threshold pressure (PTP)
the pressure required to overcome the resistance of glottal adduction and initiate vocal fold oscillation
define glottal onset
the glottis is squeezed tightly shut by the adductor muscles, after which pressure is increased below the glottis until breath explodes out between the vocal folds. occurs when strong adduction precedes breath energy.
define aspirate onset
essentially the opposite of a glottal onset. also called a breathy onset, the order of adduction and breath flow is reversed. breath flow is started first, and the vocal folds are slowly adducted into the moving air until the Bernoulli Effect takes over and oscillation begins. Often is accompanied by an audible “h” sound.
define balanced onset
the result of adduction and airflow beginning at essentially the same moment. singers can practice a balanced onset using exercises that require gentle re-articulation of repeated notes.
what is the ideal laryngeal position?
the ideal laryngeal position is not high, and not low, but neutral. regardless of where the larynx is positioned, it must not be held rigidly in place.
define tracheal pull
on inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, descending 3-5 centimeters into the abdomen. there is a general downward motion of the lungs as they fall more deeply into the thoracic cavity. since the lungs are attached to the trachea, it is pulled downward as well. the trachea is connected to the larynx and therefore gently “pulls” it downward slightly.
strategies for maintaining proper vocal health
speak well sing well moderation hydration rest use good hygiene avoid unnecessary drug use stay physically fit don't sing if you are ill
describe the strategies for maintaining proper vocal health
good speaking habits are very important for maintaining vocal health. use healthy singing technique at all times. limit the number of hours of voice use (a combination of singing and speaking). the vocal folds require adequate hydration for normal function. the voice is naturally resilient, but requires adequate rest for recovery. sleep. wash you hands! avoid antihistamines, decongestants, aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana. commit to regular exercise.
define laryngitis
a medical term that indicates laryngeal inflammation; a common symptom of allergies such as hay fever, adverse drug reactions, alcohol/tobacco use, overuse of the vocal instrument, dehydration, or GERD
define inflammation
a vascular event that results in swelling*.
*this is different from the swelling caused by edema.
define edema
a non-vascular event of swelling resulting from the accumulation of excess fluid
define GERD
gastro-esophageal reflux disease. a medical condition in which acid from the stomach retrogrades / backs-up into the esophagus through the hiatal sphincter. in some cases, the acid spills over from the esophagus to the larynx, causing irritation of the laryngeal tissues and the vocal folds themselves.
what are the 4 varieties of laryngitis?
acute
subacute
chronic
recurrent
describe acute laryngitis
lasting a short duration - usually only hours or days, usually resulting from voice use or viral illness
describe subacute laryngitis
of non-specific origin with mild to moderate voice impairment that does not progress to the complete aphonia (no voice at all).
describe chronic laryngitis
long-lasting inflammation that can result in permanent changes to the vocal instrument. generally caused by an irritant. found in extreme vocal abusers, heavy smokers or drinkers, and those with GERD.
describe recurrent laryngitis
it repeatedly comes and goes
what is available laryngitis treatment?
for most cases or moderate to severe laryngitis, the treatment of first choice is voice rest accompanied by thorough hydration. if your voice is hoarse and you suspect, you have some degree of laryngitis, do not sing and do NOT go to the practice room to “pound your voice back into shape.”
TLDR; rest and hydration
describe vocal fold hemmorhage
a rupture of one or more blood vessels within the vocal folds. hemorrhages are generally caused by trauma or extreme overuse.
describe / elaborate on vocal nodules
callous-like lesions located along the vibrating margin of the vocal folds. they impair normal phonation by creating a physical obstacle between the vocal folds and by damping mucosal wave formation. nodules almost always occur bilaterally (one on each fold) near the middle of the vibrating portion of the fold. vocal nodules are almost exclusively a problem for women. caused by misuse, overuse, or abuse of the voice.
what problems do vocal nodules cause within the voice
they impair normal phonation by creating a physical obstacle between the vocal folds and by damping mucosal wave formation.
define misuse
unintentional abuse of the voice that might occur in someone with improper speaking or singing technique. the individual potentially has not received instruction that would lead to more healthy voice production.
define overuse
too much of something that is otherwise acceptable
define abuse
voice use in a damaging manner in spite of conscious awareness of potential consequences. e.g., shouting, loud talking, deliberately making sounds that “hurt”, singing with a pressed sound, especially in high tessitura
plan for essay prompt
The vocal folds consist of an extremely complicated multi-layered structure. Write an essay describing this structure. Be sure to include how and why these different structures interact to help us create vocal phonation.
identify diagrams
pause and identify.
