Vocal

Vocal refers to anything related to the human voice. It is most commonly used in reference to singing, but it can also refer to spoken language. The vocal apparatus is the organ system involved in vocalization, which includes the lungs, vocal cords, and various structures in the mouth and nose.

Anatomy of the Vocal Apparatus

The vocal apparatus consists of the lungs, the vocal cords, and the vocal tract. The lungs provide the air pressure necessary for vocalization. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, vibrate to produce sound. The vocal tract, which includes the mouth and nose, shapes the sound into recognizable speech or song.

Lungs

The lungs are the primary source of air pressure for vocalization. They are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). The trachea (windpipe) conducts inhaled air into the lungs through its tubular branches, called bronchi.

Vocal Cords

The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are a pair of soft tissue cords located in the larynx. They vibrate to produce sound when air from the lungs is forced through them.

Vocal Tract

The vocal tract includes the oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity (nose), and the pharynx (throat). It shapes the sound produced by the vocal cords into recognizable speech or song by changing the size and shape of the resonant spaces and the position of the articulators, such as the tongue and lips.

Vocal Health

Maintaining vocal health is important for everyone, but especially for those who use their voice professionally, such as singers, actors, and teachers. This can include staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and resting the voice when needed.

See Also

• Voice (phonetics)
• Human voice
• Vocal music
• Vocal range
• Vocal pedagogy

Vocal Resources
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