What is the voice, and how does it work?
The wonderful sound we call voice results from interaction among numerous parts of the body. The larynx (voice box) is essential to normal voice production, but voice production is not limited to the larynx. The total vocal mechanism includes the abdominal and back musculature, rib cage, lungs, and the pharynx (throat), oral cavity and nose. Each component performs an important function in voice production, although it is possible to produce voice even without a larynx, for example in patients who have undergone laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) for cancer. In addition, virtually all parts of the body play some role in voice production and may be responsible for voice dysfunction. Even something as remote as a sprained ankle may alter posture, thereby impairing abdominal muscle function and resulting in vocal inefficiency, weakness and hoarseness. What is the larynx? The larynx is a structure found in the neck and composed of four basic anatomic units: skeleton, intrinsic muscles, e
