Investigation of the Phonatory Mechanism*

A rational approach toward the development of improved techniques for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and correction of vocal pathologies rests on an improved understanding of voice mechanisms. To achieve these goals, we need to better understand the dimensions of phonatory performance and their dependence both on the state of laryngeal structures and on patterns of control. Because of the inaccessible location of the larynx, few direct measurements of this performance are possible. Quanti tative mathematical modeling is a useful vehicle for studying laryngeal vocal function. Continuation and ex tension of excised-larynx and animal studies can provide detailed data in support of the development and testing of these models. Human experiments, in vivo, aimed at factoring out the phonatory consequences of variations in individual laryngeal control parameters are suggested as a means of further extending such studies.