A preliminary study of particle velocity during phonation in an in vivo canine model

Summary The particle velocity across the glottis was measured with simultaneous electroglottography, photoglottography, and subglottic pressure in an in vivo canine model of phonation. A constant temperature anemometer measured flow velocity at five midline anterior to posterior glottal positions. Tracheal input air flow was varied in five steps from 175 to 500 cc/s, while vocal fold approximation was achieved by constant electrical stimulation of the laryngeal nerves. For all levels of air flow, a decreasing peak velocity gradient was observed from the anterior commissure to the arytenoids. Time-varying features of the flow velocity are discussed in relation to glottal vibratory events and aerodynamics.