Hypothesis of whiplike motion as a possible traumatizing mechanism in vocal fold vibration.
The mucosal waves on the vibrating vocal folds may move in anterior-posterior, mediolateral and in caudal-cranial direction. This article discusses the possible significance of the vertical movement from the point of view of mechanical stress in phonation and the formation of vocal fold traumas. It is hypothesized that in certain conditions the vocal folds may behave in cranial direction like a quasi-free end of a long lash producing very rapid vibratory waves (e.g. the waves in a whiplash). This could be detrimental to the tissue structure. The role of phonation type in enhancing/diminishing this effect will also be discussed.
Sonninen
Aatto
A
Department of Communication, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Aatto.Sonninen@cc.jyu.fi
Laukkanen
Anne-Maria
AM
D006801:Humans; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology; D014732:Vibration; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications*