EN 
DE 
The human voice is an amazing instrument that enables us to communicate, sing and express our emotions. But what is actually behind this fascinating phenomenon? The physiology of the voice offers an insight into the complex science that shapes and defines our sound.
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, play a central role in the production of sound. They are located in the larynx and consist of elastic tissue. When speaking or singing, the vocal cords close and the air from the lungs forces them to open and close, creating vibrations. These vibrations create sound waves, which are then amplified by the mouth, nose and throat to form the sound.
The quality of the voice is influenced by various physiological factors. The length and thickness of the vocal cords, for example, determine the pitch and sound of a voice. Men tend to have longer and thicker vocal cords than women, which leads to a deeper voice. The way the vocal cords vibrate and how much air flows through them also influence the sound and volume of a voice.
The resonance chambers in the body also play an important role in the production of sound. These spaces, including the mouth, nose, throat and chest cavity, amplify and modify the sound before it is projected outwards. For example, opening the mouth when singing produces a fuller sound, while closing the mouth results in a muffled sound. Articulation, the clear pronunciation of words, is controlled by the movements of the lips, tongue and jaw. These muscles work together to change the shape of the oral cavity and form the sounds we hear. Precise articulation is crucial for intelligibility and expression when speaking and singing.
The voice is also closely linked to breathing. Effective breathing supports a strong and clear voice. When you inhale, the lungs fill with air, which is then released in a controlled manner by squeezing the diaphragm and contracting the abdominal muscles. This controlled exhalation enables a stable supply of air to the vocal cords, which promotes an even and powerful voice. Through targeted breathing training, breathing capacity can be improved so that the voice can be supplied with sufficient air to be able to speak or sing powerfully and clearly.
The health and care of the voice is crucial to its performance and longevity. Speaking or singing in excessively loud environments can cause damage to the vocal cords, as can smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Good hydration, regular rest and avoiding excessive exertion can help to keep the voice healthy.
Overall, the physiology of the voice is a fascinating and complex science that shows how different anatomical structures and physiological processes work together to form the sound we know as the voice. By better understanding these processes, we can better use and care for our voice to communicate more clearly, sing more beautifully and expand our personal expression.
Source: https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/der-kehlkopf-wie-das-instrument-stimme-funktioniert/
Videos
