XXIX Phonatory Adaptations in the Upper Larynx of Man

Abstract

During phonation changes occur in the aryepiglottic fold suggestive of contraction of the aryepiglottic muscle, accompanied by and apparently causing elevation of the vestibular fold. This mechanism prevents the vestibular fold from damping the vibration of the vocal fold. It probably represents an evolutionary specialization of the human larynx associated with the development of speech.