Organs of Speech

Speech organs… how are they classified?

Vocal Cords Vocal cords are also called vocal folds. Vocal cords are two small bands of elastic tissue which can be thought of as two flat strips of rubber. Vocal cords are lying opposite each other across the air passage.

The inner edge of the vocal cords can be moved towards each other so that they cover the top of the wind pipe can be drawn apart. This is their normal position when we breathe quietly in and out. The space between the vocal cords is called the glottis.

States of the Glottis Try this: When they are brought together tightly no air passes through them and if the lungs are pushing air from below this air is compressed. If the vocal cords are opened suddenly the compressed air bursts out with a sort of a coughing noise. Try this: Open your mouth wide Hold your breath Imagine you are picking up a heavy weight, holding it for two seconds, then dropping it quickly and suddenly let your breath out. The holding back of the compressed air followed by a sudden released is called the glottal stop.

States of the Glottis 2. If the vocal cords are brought together quiet gently, the air from the lungs will be able to force them apart for a moment, but then they will return to the closed position. 3. The vocal cords are drawn apart that the air can pass out freely between them and there is no vibration. The result of this state is voiceless sounds. Pharynx is the space behind the tongue and reaching up towards the nasal cavity.