Ligamentum vocale is a Latin term that pertains to the vocal cords. It is spelled with the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [lɪˈɡamɛntum voˈkaːle]. The first syllable is pronounced as "li" with a short "i" sound, the second syllable is "ga" with a hard "g" sound, and the third syllable is "ment" pronounced with a short "e" sound. The fourth syllable is "um" with a short "u" sound, while the last two syllables are pronounced as "vo" with a long "o" sound and "ca" with a short "a" sound, respectively.
The term "ligamentum vocale" refers to a structure found in the human throat that plays a crucial role in the production of sound during speech. It is a part of the human vocal cords, also known as the vocal folds, which are located within the larynx or voice box.
Specifically, the ligamentum vocale refers to the portion of the vocal fold that extends from the thyroid cartilage to the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage. This ligament, along with other components of the vocal fold, such as muscle tissue, mucous membrane, and elastin fibers, contributes to the controlled vibration necessary for voice production.
During phonation, which is the process of producing voiced sounds, air from the lungs passes through the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate rapidly. These vibrations produce sound waves that create speech and other vocalizations. The ligamentum vocale helps to regulate the tension and positioning of the vocal folds, allowing for precise control over pitch, volume, and quality of the voice.
Disorders or abnormalities affecting the ligamentum vocale can lead to various voice problems, such as hoarseness, roughness, or difficulty in making certain sounds. Medical conditions like vocal nodules, polyps, or inflammation may impact the proper functioning of the ligamentum vocale, resulting in voice disorders that may require medical intervention, speech therapy, or surgical treatment.
L. Thyreoarytaenoideum inferius, supports the true vocal cord; it forms the upper edge of the lateral part of the cricothyroid membrane, being attached anteriorly to the middle of the angular depression formed by the junction of the alae of the thyroid cartilage, posteriorly to the process vocalis of the arytenoid cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ligamentum vocale" comes from Latin.
- "Ligamentum" is a noun in the nominative singular form, derived from the verb "ligare", meaning "to bind" or "to tie". It refers to a band or fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages in the body. In the context of anatomy, a ligament refers to a tough, flexible band of fibrous connective tissue that joins bones together at a joint.
- "Vocale" is an adjective in the nominative singular form, derived from the noun "vox", meaning "voice" or "sound". It is related to the verb "vocare", meaning "to call" or "to summon". In anatomy, "vocale" denotes something related to the voice.