What three behaviors allow the larynx to perform its most ...

[neverstopbelieb]

What three behaviors allow the larynx to perform its most important function?

Question 2

What is the difference between pressed and breathy phonation?

[raenoj]

Answer to Question 1

The most important function of the larynx is not a speech function but a protective function. The larynx prevents foreign bodies from entering the lungs and possibly causing a life-threatening condition. Protection from the entrance of foreign bodies is achieved by means of coughing, throat clearing, and abdominal fixation.

Coughing is the forceful evacuation of the respiratory passageway. Repeated coughing can lead to chronic irritation of the vocal tract and vocal abuse. Throat clearing is less violent than coughing, but still stressful. Clearing of the throat removes mucus from the respiratory track. Abdominal fixation is the process of impounding air in the thorax to stabilize the torso. Abdominal fixation is involved in childbirth, defecation, and vomiting.

Answer to Question 2

Pressed phonation and breathy phonation are two variations of model phonation, which is the first type of vocal register. Pressed phonation is distinguished by an increase in the strident or harsh quality of a person's voice, often causing the individual to attract more attention when speaking. Pressed phonation can result in damage to the vocal fold tissues and abuse of the voice.

Breathy voice occurs when the vocal folds are not adequately approximated. As a result, the vibrating margins permit excessive airflow between the vocal folds when in the closed phase of cycle vibration. When the person speaks, air escapes as a breathy phonation. Breathy speech is not efficient, and it causes air wastage. However, it does not harm the phonatory mechanism.