Vocal Anatomy The Journey Begins

Singing involves the control and manipulation of numerous muscles. These muscles are accustomed to doing their own thing. We are about to embark on a wonderful journey as we become acquainted with the muscles of the larynx, and the respiratory system. Let the journey begin…

Epiglottis Thyroid Cartilage Arytenoid Cartilages Cricoid Cartilage Tracheal Rings Back View of the Larynx Cartilages that make up the larynx, viewed from the back.

Epiglottis Back View of the Larynx Cartilages that make up the larynx, viewed from the back. The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped cartilage that moves up and down to cover the opening of the trachea when food or liquid is swallowed. It keeps you from choking by directing particles down the esophagus instead of the trachea. It moves out of the way while breathing, speaking or singing so that air can move freely up and down the trachea.

Thyroid Cartilage Back View of the Larynx Cartilages that make up the larynx, viewed from the back. The thyroid cartilage is also known as the Adam’s apple. It is a large V-shaped cartilage that houses and protects the vocal cords and the opening to the trachea. The vocal cords attach to the thyroid cartilage at the front of the neck, just under the epiglottis.

Arytenoid Cartilages Back View of the Larynx Cartilages that make up the larynx, viewed from the back. Arytenoid cartilages are pyramid- shaped. The thyroarytenoid muscles/vocal cords are attached to each cartilage at the back of the throat. They glide along the cricoid. These cartilages move together and apart thousands of times per second, pulling the vocal cords together over the trachea so air can cause vibrations used in speech and singing.

Cricoid Cartilage Back View of the Larynx Cartilages that make up the larynx, viewed from the back. The cricoid cartilage is shaped like a signet ring, with the signet at the back of the throat and the shaft of the ring at the front of the throat. It forms the top of the trachea.

Epiglottis Thyroid Cartilage Arytenoid Cartilages Cricoid Cartilage Tracheal Rings Back View of the Larynx Check your knowledge of the larynx cartilages. Starting at the top, try to name the cartilages. Left click with the mouse to see if you are correct. Woo Hoo!

Muscles and Cartilages of the Larynx Thyroarytenoid Muscles Vocal Cords Arytenoid Cartilages Thyroid Cartilage Cricoid Cartilage There are five groups of muscles in the larynx, including the vocal cords. They are all named for the cartilages to which they are attached. Many vocal exercises are designed to teach the singer how to manipulate and control the muscles used in singing.

Thyroarytenoid Muscles Vocal Cords Muscles of the Larynx Notice the vocal cords, or vocal folds, are actually the inside edges of the thyroarytenoid muscles. When they are pulled together over the air passage, air causes vibrations that we recognize as speech or singing. Note: Muscles other than the thyroarytenoids move the arytenoid cartilages and other cartilages involved in the vocal process. We are only concerned with the thyroarytenoid muscles at this time.

Muscles and Cartilages of the Larynx Check your knowledge of the larynx muscles and cartilages. Starting at the top, try to name the cartilages and muscles. Left click with the mouse to see if you are correct. Thyroarytenoid Muscles Vocal Cords Arytenoid Cartilages Thyroid Cartilage Cricoid Cartilage Way to Go!

Respiratory System Nasal Cavity Soft Palate Larynx Bronchus Bronchiole Lung Diaphragm The windpipe, or trachea, is made up of a series of cartilaginous rings resembling a vacuum hose. The trachea subdivides into two bronchi, one bronchus for each lung. The bronchi further divide into numerous bronchioles, through which oxygen passes into the lungs. The lungs are spongy membranous tissue. They are not muscle. Inhalation occurs when the diaphragm contracts and flattens, pulling the lungs downward so that air rushes into the vacuum.

Respiratory System Nasal Cavity Soft Palate Larynx Bronchus Bronchiole Lung Diaphragm Check your knowledge of the respiratory system. Starting at the top, try to name the cartilages and muscles. Left click with the mouse to see if you are correct. Alright!

Bones and Muscles of Respiration The ribs are connected by the intercostal muscles. The external intercostal muscles cover the outside of the ribcage. The internal intercostal muscles cover the inside of the ribcage. They aid in the expansion of the ribs during inhalation and help to expel the air by pulling the ribs together. Clavicle Sternum External Intercostal Muscles Internal Intercostal Muscles Ribs

Bones and Muscles of Respiration Check your knowledge of the bones and muscles of respiration. Starting at the top, try to name the bones and muscles. Left click with the mouse to see if you are correct. Clavicle Sternum External Intercostal Muscles Internal Intercostal Muscles Ribs You’ve Done It!

Credits All illustrations were taken from our text: Schmidt J., Basics of Singing, fifth edition, published by Schirmer, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc., Click to return to Vocal Adventure Homepage.