Cellular physiology of the vocal folds

This article discusses cellular architecture and physiology relevant to pho nation biology. The mucociliary blanket and its role in external vocal fold lubrication are presented. The epithelium, basement membrane zone, and lam ina propria all have specific roles in oscillating tissue. Three cell types , fibroblast, myofibroblast, and macrophage, maintain important and unique roles. Protein turnover in the lamina propria is important, and slowing mat rix turnover may be a leading factor in creating some of the characteristic s associated with vocal senescence. Lastly, aspects of cellular health and cellular pathology are discussed.