Changes in Glottal Area Associated with Increasing Airflow

Abstract

Laryngeal resistance varies inversely with airflow during phonation. This study evaluated the morphological changes in the glottis that accompany decreases in laryngeal resistance at higher levels of airflow. An in vivo canine model of phonation and a video analysis system were used to assess changes in area. Four animals were examined stroboscopically as airflow increased, with constant recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation. Glottal dynamics were evaluated by means of photoglottography, electroglottography, and measures of subglottic pressure. Analysis of digitized stroboscopic images indicated that increasing airflow had no obvious effect on the glottal chink (vocal process contact). Increasing airflow was associated with an increase in the area of peak opening and an increase in the glottal area integral.