Characterization of the Medial Surface of the Vocal Folds

Abstract

A method is developed for the quantification of the medial surface of the vocal folds in excised larynges. Lead molds were constructed from the glottal airway of a canine larynx for 3 distinct glottal configurations corresponding to “pressed” folds, just barely adducted folds, and 1-mm-abducted folds as measured between the vocal processes. With a high-resolution laser striping system, the 3-dimensional molds were digitally scanned. Low-order polynomials were fitted to the data, and goodness-of-fit statistics were reported. For all glottal configurations, a linear variation (flat surface) approximated the data with a coefficient of determination of 90%. This coefficient increased to roughly 95% when a quadratic variation (curvature) was included along the vertical dimension. If more than the top 5 mm or so of the folds was included (the portion usually corresponding to vibration), a cubic variation along the vertical dimension was necessary to explain a change in concavity at the conus elasticus. These findings suggest the utility of a model based on a convergence coefficient and a bulging coefficient. For all glottal configurations, the convergence coefficients and bulging coefficients can be computed. Because pre-phonatory conditions have a profound influence on vocal fold vibration and on the quality of phonation, such shaping parameters are highly significant. With the viability of this method substantiated, it is envisioned that future studies will characterize greater quantities of glottal shapes, including those of human vocal folds.