CHANGES IN GLOTTAL AREA ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASING AIR-FLOW

Laryngeal resistance varies inversely with airflow during phonation. T his study evaluated the morphological changes in the glottis that acco mpany decreases in laryngeal resistance at higher levels of airflow. A n in vivo canine model of phonation and a video analysis system were u sed to assess changes in area. Four animals were examined stroboscopic ally as airflow increased, with constant recurrent laryngeal nerve sti mulation. Glottal dynamics were evaluated by means of photoglottograph y, electroglottography, and measures of subglottic pressure. Analysis of digitized stroboscopic images indicated that increasing airflow had no obvious effect on the glottal chink (vocal process contact). Incre asing airflow was associated with an increase in the area of peak open ing and an increase in the glottal area integral.