Current topics in voice production mechanisms.

A brief overview of current research in voice production mechanisms is given. The self-oscillatory behavior of the vocal folds is clarified, along with the identification of preferred tissue modes. Fundamental frequency control is reviewed as a coordinated activity between cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles and lung pressure. Lung pressure is shown to be the primary regulator of vocal intensity. For eventual application to the study of voice disorders, a method of measurement of contact stress on a hemilarynx preparation is described.