A Larynx Model with Movable Vocal Folds Parts

Abstract

For learning human voice production mechanisms, or for future development of speech utterance robots which emulate human voice production, a pharynx figure model with movable vocal folds parts was developed. Currently, there are many human figure models for learning anatomy of human body, but it is hard to understand voice production mechanism by vocal folds. Our developed model has movable vocal folds parts for better understanding of vocal organs. Rubber balloon， resin clay and stainless wires are used to make the model． Parts of thyroid cartilage， cricoid， arytenoid cartilage are made with clay. Vocal folds are made with thin rubber which is cut from a rubber balloon. Using stainless wires, they are connected. By pulling and pushing cartilages, vocal folds open and close. When the vocal folds are closed. air flow from bottom tube makes sound.