Ultrasonic output from the excised rat larynx.
The source of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) produced by rats is thought to be within the larynx. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the rat larynx is capable of producing ultrasounds with the full range of frequencies reported in vivo. Acoustic output of excised rat larynges with and without vocal fold constriction was measured. At biologically-reasonable airflow rates and pressures, only larynges with a constriction produced the full range of ultrasounds reported in vivo, providing support for the hypothesis that a constriction within the larynx is likely the source of rat USVs.
Johnson
Aaron M
AM
Department of Surgery, Clinical Science Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. johnson@surgery.wisc.edu
Ciucci
Michelle R
MR
Russell
John A
JA
Hammer
Michael J
MJ
Connor
Nadine P
NP
D000818:Animals; D003250:Constriction; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007830:Larynx / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010699:Phonation; D011312:Pressure; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014732:Vibration; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology; D014828:Vocalization, Animal