Aula 4 - Voz 1 - Músculos extrínsecos da laringe

Summary

This lesson explains the extrinsic muscles of the larynx, detailing their role in supporting the larynx and contributing to voice production. It distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, emphasizing how the latter stabilize the larynx for both speech and swallowing. The lesson also covers the action of these muscles in producing low and high-pitched sounds by elevating or lowering the larynx. Additionally, it discusses the importance of the hyoid bone and the clinical relevance of muscle manipulation to address vocal issues caused by cervical tension, such as in teachers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Extrinsic laryngeal muscles support and stabilize the larynx in the neck, playing an indirect role in voice production.
• 😀 These muscles help elevate or lower the larynx in the neck, which impacts the pitch of the voice (high or low).
• 😀 The primary function of voice modulation occurs through intrinsic muscles, but extrinsic muscles also influence sound production.
• 😀 Graver sounds cause the larynx to lower, which is aided by infra-hyoid muscles. Higher-pitched sounds cause the larynx to rise, supported by supra-hyoid muscles.
• 😀 Prolonged tension in the neck muscles can result in hypertension, leading to a strained or high-pitched voice.
• 😀 The hyoid bone is a crucial anchor for the larynx, and it doesn't articulate with other bones, acting like a support structure.
• 😀 Supra-hyoid muscles (above the hyoid) include the stylohyoid, digastric, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid, all of which help elevate the hyoid bone and assist in various tongue movements.
• 😀 Infra-hyoid muscles (below the hyoid) include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid, all of which help lower the hyoid and larynx, affecting voice pitch.
• 😀 Muscle tension in the neck can cause a rigid neck and lead to a tense, strained voice. This is common among people who use their voice extensively.
• 😀 Voice therapy exercises focusing on relaxation and stretching of the neck muscles can help relieve tension and improve voice quality, especially in patients with voice issues.

Q & A

What are the two types of muscles in the larynx?

The two types of muscles in the larynx are intrinsic muscles, which have both origin and insertion within the larynx, and extrinsic muscles, which have their origin outside the larynx and insertion within the larynx.

What is the primary role of extrinsic muscles in the larynx?

Extrinsic muscles help provide support and stabilization to the larynx in the neck. They indirectly contribute to voice production by adjusting the position of the larynx, influencing voice modulation in terms of pitch and tone.

How do extrinsic muscles influence voice production?

Extrinsic muscles, particularly the infra-hyoid muscles, lower the larynx, resulting in a deeper voice, while the supra-hyoid muscles raise the larynx, resulting in a higher-pitched voice. The tension in these muscles can influence voice tone.

What are the potential effects of excessive tension in the neck muscles on the voice?

Excessive tension in the neck muscles, such as those involved in voice production, can lead to a strained, high-pitched, and sharp voice. This can cause discomfort and even pain in the neck area, especially for people who use their voice frequently, like teachers.

What is the role of the hyoid bone in voice production?

The hyoid bone acts as a support structure for the larynx, essentially serving as a 'hanger' for the larynx. It is connected to various muscles that control the movement and positioning of the larynx during speech and swallowing.

What muscles make up the supra-hyoid group, and what is their function?

The supra-hyoid group includes four muscles: the stylohyoid, digastric, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid. These muscles are responsible for elevating the hyoid bone and the larynx, affecting the pitch of the voice by either raising or lowering the larynx.

How does the stylohyoid muscle function?

The stylohyoid muscle originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the hyoid bone. When contracted, it pulls the hyoid bone upwards and slightly backward, elevating the larynx.

What is the function of the digastric muscle in relation to voice production?

The digastric muscle consists of two muscle bellies and helps elevate the hyoid bone during contraction. It also assists in opening the mouth by depressing the mandible, contributing to the control of vocal pitch.

What muscles are involved in lowering the larynx, and what effect does this have on the voice?

The infra-hyoid muscles, such as the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid, help lower the hyoid bone and larynx. This action produces a deeper voice by creating more space in the vocal tract, thereby lowering the pitch.

How do the infra-hyoid muscles contribute to voice modulation?

When the infra-hyoid muscles contract, they pull the hyoid bone and larynx downwards, which results in a lower pitch for the voice. These muscles are particularly important for maintaining a steady, relaxed vocal quality and for achieving a deeper voice.