Logan Steele
The human voice is produced by the vibration of the vocal folds, which are two bands of smooth muscle tissue that are positioned opposite each other in the larynx. The pitch of the voice is determined by the vocal cords pulling together to a particular pitch opening, which produces a certain pitch frequency. The pulling-together is controlled by two sets of muscles: the Thyroid muscle group, which controls the Chest Voice (low notes), and the Cricoarytenoid muscle group, which controls the Head Voice (high notes). The quality of the voice, including pitch, volume, and tone, is determined by the size and shape of the vocal folds and the resonating cavities. The vocal cords are connected to various muscles and cartilage inside the voice box that help control the movement of the vocal cords. The brain orchestrates a series of events that allow humans to produce voice, and researchers are exploring how the brain controls the muscles and nerves of the larynx and tongue, and how these structures move to produce speech.
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What You'll Learn
Vocal cord anatomy
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two muscular bands inside the voice box that produce the sound of your voice. They stretch from the left to the right side of the voice box and from front to back. The length and thickness of your vocal cords determine the pitch of your voice. Thicker vocal cords produce a lower pitch or a deep voice.
The vocal cords consist of three basic layers. The outer layer is made up of cells called the epithelium. The middle layer, or lamina propria, helps the vocal cords move. The innermost muscular layer includes the vocalis muscle and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The thyroarytenoid muscle is the most dense portion of the vocal fold. It runs the entire length of the vocal fold, from the thyroid cartilage to the arytenoid cartilage. The vocalis and thyroarytenoid muscles are covered by a mucous membrane.
The thyroid cartilage is the upper cartilage of the larynx, whose front side is often felt as the "Adam's apple". The cricoid cartilage is the lower and smaller cartilage of the larynx, shaped like a signet ring, wider in the back than the front. The thyroid cartilage fits over the cricoid cartilage, and is hinged so that it can slightly rock forward and downward. The vocal folds attach at the inside of the thyroid notch. The arytenoid cartilages sit atop the back of the cricoid cartilage and hold the back end of the vocal folds.
The pitch of the voice is created by the vocal cords pulling together to a particular pitch opening, which produces a certain pitch frequency. The pulling-together is controlled by two sets of muscles: the Thyroid muscle group, which controls the Chest Voice (low notes), and the Cricoarytenoid muscle group, which controls the Head Voice (high notes). The Cricoarytenoid muscles are naturally more under-developed than the Thyroid muscle group because we don't spend as much time speaking in the Head Voice.
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Vocal registers
The term "vocal register" can be confusing as it encompasses several aspects of the human voice, including a certain vibratory pattern of the vocal folds, a particular range of pitches, and a characteristic type of tone or quality of sound. Vocal registers arise from different vibratory patterns produced by the vocal cords. The vocal cords, or vocal folds, are two muscular bands inside your voice box that produce the sound of your voice. The length and thickness of your vocal cords help determine how high or low your voice is, or your pitch.
There are many divergent theories on vocal registers within vocal pedagogy, making the term somewhat controversial within the field of singing. Vocal pedagogists may use the term vocal register to refer to a particular part of the vocal range, such as the upper, middle, or lower registers, or a resonance area such as chest voice or head voice. The prevailing practice within vocal pedagogy is to divide both men's and women's voices into three registers. Men's voices are designated "chest", "head", and "falsetto", and women's voices are "chest", "middle", and "head". However, this way of classifying registers is not universally accepted, with some arguing that since all registers originate in laryngeal function, it is meaningless to speak of registers being produced in the chest or head.
Research by speech pathologists and some vocal pedagogists has revealed that the vocal cords are capable of producing at least four distinct vibratory forms, although not all persons can produce all of them. These four registers are:
- Natural or normal voice, also known as modal voice
- Vocal fry
- Falsetto
- Whistle
Each of these four registers has its own vibratory pattern, pitch range (with some overlap), and characteristic sound. Vocal fry is the lowest register, followed by modal voice, then falsetto, and finally the whistle register.
In addition to these four registers, there are other terms used to describe vocal registers or qualities of the voice, such as "mixed voice", "chest voice", and "head voice". "Mixed voice" refers to blending the properties of thick and thin vocal folds at the same time. "Chest voice" refers to a low resonance produced by thick vocal folds, while "head voice" refers to a high resonance with less tension, allowing for higher pitches and an extended range.
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Vocal cord health
Your vocal cords, or vocal folds, are two bands of smooth muscle tissue found in the larynx, or voice box. They are covered by a moist, protective lining called a mucous membrane. Vocal cord disorders are often caused by vocal abuse or misuse, and can result in laryngitis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, and vocal cord paralysis.
To keep your vocal cords healthy, it is important to use them correctly without stressing or straining them. This includes avoiding vocal projection, such as shouting or screaming, and taking short vocal naps after extended periods of voice use. It is also important to maintain adequate hydration by consuming enough water and warm, non-caffeinated liquids during voice use. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid known allergens and irritants, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, and be cautious with spicy, acidic, and dairy foods if you are sensitive to them.
Before engaging in voice use, it is important to warm up your voice by performing vocal function exercises, such as gliding from low to high notes and vice versa, and maintaining good posture. When speaking or singing, focus on using your mid-range and maintaining good breath support.
If you experience any hoarseness or changes in your voice that last longer than two weeks, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend voice therapy to help your vocal cords heal and teach you how to use them properly, or in some cases, surgery may be required to remove growths.
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The role of the brain
The brain plays a crucial role in controlling vocal muscles and producing speech and song, a uniquely human ability. Speech requires rapid and precise control of the vocal muscles, and the brain is responsible for coordinating these complex movements.
The brain region responsible for controlling the pitch of the human voice is the dorsal laryngeal motor cortex (DLMC). This area activates when pitch is altered, with higher pitches corresponding to increased activity in the region. The DLMC controls the sounds made by the larynx, while another group of neurons controls variations in vocal pitch. The DLMC is also involved in controlling the larynx muscles during singing, and when listening to one's own voice, which may explain the human capacity for mimicking speech and singing.
The PAG is another crucial brain site for voice production in mammals. It is responsible for producing emotional and involuntary sounds, as well as generating specific respiratory and laryngeal motor patterns essential for speech and song.
Additionally, the nucleus retroambiguus in the brain is involved in controlling neurons related to the respiratory and laryngeal systems, including functions such as vocalization, swallowing, and respiration.
The brain also undergoes structural changes during early to mid-adulthood, and these changes may impact vocal control and pitch modulation. Furthermore, the brain integrates cortical and subcortical circuits for volitional control of speech production, although this area requires further research for full understanding.
In summary, the brain plays a central role in controlling vocal muscles by coordinating the movements of various muscles in the vocal apparatus, modulating pitch, and facilitating essential functions such as vocalization, respiration, and swallowing.
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Vocal exercises
The vocal cords, or vocal folds, are two muscular bands inside your voice box that produce the sound of your voice. They vibrate when you speak or sing. The length and thickness of your vocal cords determine how high or low your voice is, or your pitch.
Vocal Warm-ups and Cool-downs
Singers should do warm-ups and cool-downs to strengthen their vocal cords and increase their range. Warming up the abdominal, back, and neck muscles allows sound to travel up and out without getting trapped by tension.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises engage the respiratory and intercostal muscles so you can sustain longer notes. They also help to regulate airflow and respiratory and vocal organ coordination.
Articulators and Resonators
Your lips, teeth, and tongue help with articulation, while the soft palate creates resonation.
Vocalizing Exercises
Changing pitch and projecting your voice puts stress on vocal muscles. Vocalizing exercises, such as wordless vowel sound exercises, ease the transition from the smaller range of the spoken register to the larger range of the singing register.
Straw Exercises
Blowing air through a small stirring straw while making glides up and down through your range will help you learn how to breathe while singing. The backpressure created by the resistance of the straw helps decrease puffiness, a major source of vocal trouble.
Lip Trills
This is a variation of the straw exercise. Blow air through closed lips, keeping them relaxed, and sing an “uh” vowel underneath. The resistance of the bubbling lips helps maintain cord closure, an important element of good singing.
Creaky Doors
This exercise helps build the coordination needed to maintain proper cord closure. Make a little edgy sound, like a creaky door or a rusty gate opening. Do a scale on this sound using very little air. The idea is to not let the sound get breathy or squeezed.
"NG" Sounds
Making the “ng” sound from the word “rung” provides backpressure, while also making the transition between the lower and upper registers (chest voice and head voice) easier.
"SH" Sounds
Making a “sh” sound repetitively, strengthens the lower abdominal vocal support muscles, and helps direct the airflow forward.
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Frequently asked questions
Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two muscular bands inside your voice box that vibrate when you speak or sing, producing the sound of your voice.
The vocal cords, like a rubber band, create pitch by pulling together to a particular pitch opening, which produces a certain pitch frequency. The more taut the vocal cords, the smaller the pitch opening, and the faster the pitch frequency, resulting in higher notes. The cricoarytenoid muscle group controls your Head Voice (high notes).
The Thyroid muscle group controls your Chest Voice (low notes). To produce a lower pitch, relax the tension in your vocal cords, which will result in a slower pitch frequency and lower notes.
The best way to keep your vocal cords healthy is to use them correctly without stressing or straining them. Avoid talking or singing too much, especially if your voice sounds hoarse or weak. Do not smoke or expose yourself to second-hand smoke.
