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Return to Glossary of Images

Three Voice Subsystems

Voice Mechanism
(click for larger image)
Subsystem Voice Organs Role in Sound Production

Air pressure system

Diaphragm, chest muscles, ribs, abdominal muscles
Lungs

Provides and regulates air pressure to cause vocal folds to vibrate

Vibratory system

Voice box (larynx)
Vocal folds

Vocal folds vibrate, changing air pressure to sound waves producing "voiced sound," frequently described as a "buzzy sound"
Varies pitch of sound

Resonating system

Vocal tract: throat (pharynx), oral cavity, nasal cavities

Changes the "buzzy sound" into a person's recognizable voice


This diagram can be found in Anatomy and Physiology of Voice Production: Learning About the Voice Mechanism


 
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