[Phase relationship between dynamics of the subglottic pressure and oscillatory movement of the vocal folds. I. Sustained phonation].

The phase relationship between subglottic pressure and vocal fold length has been studied during sustained phonation in five subjects with normal larynx. Pressure was measured by tracheal puncture and vocal fold length was deduced from simultaneous measurement of translaryngeal impedance in the horizontal plane and transglottal light flux in the vertical plane. The pressure sine wave shows a phase lead of slightly less than 90 degrees relative to the length sine wave. Thus during sustained phonation the vocal apparatus behaves like a harmonic oscillator; the frequency of oscillation is determined by the mechanical parameters of the vibrating system; the source of periodic energy supply is the subglottal pressure wave.