Cellular physiology of the vocal folds.
This article discusses cellular architecture and physiology relevant to phonation biology. The mucociliary blanket and its role in external vocal fold lubrication are presented. The epithelium, basement membrane zone, and lamina propria all have specific roles in oscillating tissue. Three cell types, fibroblast, myofibroblast, and macrophage, maintain important and unique roles. Protein turnover in the lamina propria is important, and slowing matrix turnover may be a leading factor in creating some of the characteristics associated with vocal senescence. Lastly, aspects of cellular health and cellular pathology are discussed.
Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. pscgray@ihc.com
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D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000166:cytology; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D017364:Collagenases / Q000378:metabolism; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D006801:Humans; D011127:Polyps / Q000201:enzymology; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism
D017364:Collagenases