Introduction
The larynx is involved in controlling sound, breathing, and protection of the windpipe from entry by food. Mostly, the larynx is also called the voice box, as it is a significant part of the body that helps in the production of the voice. Primarily, there are differences in how the larynx appears in infants and adults. These variations cause a difference in pitch between the infants and the adults who have a lower pitch ( Herbert et al., 2018 ). The larynx is located in the place where the track splits into the windpipe, and the esophagus is, therefore, forming a gate between the two pipes which perform a different function.
Structure And Significance
The larynx contains vocal folds, which are the essential part of the voice box. These cords are the primary source of sound made by the human being. Mostly, the sounds that originate from this area are the voice and other sounds such as the unvoiced consonants and the clicks that one makes. The sound system in the human body consists of the lungs, the vocal folds, and the articulators. Significantly, the lungs act as pumps that push air through the tract. The airflow is responsible for the vibration of the vocal cords.
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Hence, the first differentiating factor in the production of sound is the level of vibration of the cords, which is as a result of airflow. This level of vibration, therefore, determines the voice volume ( Von Leden, 2017 ). For instance, when one shouts, the vocal fold vibrates more than when whispering. Hence, the difference between a whisper and shouting is mainly the vibration.
Additionally, the muscles in the larynx are also very significant when it comes to the determination of tune and pitch. For instance, the infant does not have a well-developed muscle network in the larynx. Significantly, the muscles are divided into intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. The intrinsic muscles are primarily essential for the production of the sound.
For example, the cricothyroid muscle is responsible for lengthening and tensing the vocal folds. On the other hand, the thyroarytenoids ensure the shortening of the folds and are responsible for lowering the pitch. Additionally, the level of the larynx is very significant in the formation of the tone and ability to speak loudly or shout. For instance, an infant's larynx is at the level of the C2-C3 vertebrae. This fact means that the larynx is positioned higher and forward than in the adult body ( Ralph, 2017 ). Therefore, this positioning affects the vibration and tension creating lower volume and higher pitch in infants. Additionally, the presence of Adam's apple is responsible for pressure deepening the voice in the process.
Critical Thinking
Significantly, the research information explains the differences that are present in females and male human beings as well as between adults and children in the voice. For instance, infants have a higher pitch as compared to adults due to the lower tension in their larynx. Additionally, their voices are more moderate and tune due to a lower level of vibration, which is because their larynx is further than that of adults ( Nishimura, 2018 ). Essentially, the thyroid cartilage, which forms Adam's apple, is responsible for a higher vibration and tension in adolescents and men, causing a deeper voice.
Essentially, this information is critical and needs various tips to recall. For instance, the visualization of these concepts through illustration and relating the information to what one practically knows are essential tips. Additionally, one may use mnemonic devices to remember. In this case, name mnemonic is useful by using the first letters of cartilages and muscles in order of how they affect pitch, volume, and tune. This knowledge of memorizing is an important topic as it helps people to learn and remember easily. For instance, this knowledge may help a mother to understand what level of pitch is typical for an infant and which is abnormal by learning and memorizing the difference in adult and infant voice box structure.
In conclusion, this information provides knowledge of the voice differences and the causes of these differences. Significantly, the contributing factors in the gaps are vibration, tension, and the position of the larynx.
Reference
Herbert, R. A., Janardhan, K. S., Pandiri, A. R., Cesta, M. F., & Miller, R. A. (2018). Nose, larynx, and trachea. In Boorman's Pathology of the Rat (pp. 391-435). Academic Press.
Von Leden, H. (2017). A cultural history of the larynx and voice. Sataloff RT. Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care, Fourth Edition. San Diego, USA , 9-88.
Nishimura, T. (2018). The descended larynx and the descending larynx. Anthropological Science , 180301.
Ralph, M. (2017). Shaping the sound of voice. eLife , 6 .
