Vocal folds

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/vocal-folds

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key medical field?Otolaryngology (ENT), with subspecialties in laryngology and voice disorders
2. What is the related scientific disciplines?Biomechanics, phonetics, acoustics, speech science, histology, physiology
3. How do vocal folds make sound?Muscles close the folds, air from the lungs pushes them apart, then they snap back together, repeating fast to create sound. The pitch depends on how fast they vibrate.
4. Why do we need vocal folds?They let us talk, sing, and show feelings like happiness or sadness. They help us share ideas and connect with others.

Adduction: The movement of vocal folds toward the midline, closing the glottis for sound production.
Abduction: The movement of vocal folds away from the midline, opening the glottis for breathing.
Fundamental Frequency (F0): The lowest frequency of vibration of the vocal folds, perceived as the basic pitch of the voice.
Bernoulli Effect: A principle stating that fluid velocity increases as pressure decreases, contributing to vocal fold closure.