Characterization of the vocal fold vertical stiffness in a canine model.
OBJECTIVE
Characterizing the vertical stiffness gradient that exists between the superior and inferior aspects of the medial surface of the vocal fold. Characterization of this stiffness gradient could elucidate the mechanism behind the divergent glottal shape observed during closing.


METHODS
Basic science.


METHODS
Indentation testing of the folds was done in a canine model. Stress-strain curves are generated using a customized load-cell and the differential Young's modulus is calculated as a function of strain.


RESULTS
Results from 11 larynges show that stress increases as a function of strain more rapidly in the inferior aspect of the fold. The calculations for local Young's modulus show that at high strain values, a stiffness gradient is formed between the superior and inferior aspects of the fold.


CONCLUSIONS
For small strain values, which are observed at low subglottal pressures, the stiffness of the tissue is similar in both the superior and inferior aspects of the vocal fold. Consequently, the lateral force that is applied by the glottal flow at both aspects results in almost identical displacements, yielding no divergence angle. Conversely, at higher strain values, which are measured in high subglottal pressure, the inferior aspect of the vocal fold is much stiffer than the superior edge; thus, any lateral force that is applied at both aspects will result in a much greater displacement of the superior edge, yielding a large divergence angle. The increased stiffness observed at the inferior edge could be due to the proximity of the conus elasticus.
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Electronic address: liran.oren@uc.edu.
Liran
L
Oren
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Doug
D
Dembinski
Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ephraim
E
Gutmark
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sid
S
Khosla
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D023421:Models, Animal; D010699:Phonation; D011312:Pressure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology*
Elasticity; Vocal folds; Young's modulus