Biomechanical Properties Evaluated from the Standpoint of Mucosal Flexibility of the Vocal Fold

Abstract

It is considered that the mucosal flexibility of the vocal fold is essential for good phonation.When the mucosal flexibility of the vocal fold is impaired by a stiff lesion, vocal fold vibration will be affected. Therefore, it is reasonable to observe the vocal fold during vibration and evaluate the mucosal flexibility of the vocal fold.
There is the method which can be observe the wave motion of the vocal fold induced externally by means of a vibrator even without phonation. Vocal fold vibrations induced by a vibrator are compulsorily caused in the larynx through the patient's cervical skin and cartilage under general anesthesia. When microlarygoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, this method of externally induced vibration is clinically useful for precise analysis of the biomechanical properties of the vocal fold.