"True glottis" is a term from anatomy and speech therapy that refers to the space between the vocal folds in the larynx where air passes through during speech production. The spelling is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and is pronounced /truː gˈlɒtɪs/. The first syllable "tru" is spelled with the letters "t-r-u" and pronounced with a long "u" sound. The second syllable "glo" is spelled with a "g" and a "l" and pronounced with a hard "g" and a short "o" sound. The final syllable "tis" is spelled with a "t" and an "is" sound like "miss."
The true glottis can be defined as the narrow opening or space between the vocal folds or vocal cords located in the larynx. It is a significant anatomical structure involved in phonation or the production of sound.
The true glottis consists of the space between the vocal folds when they are brought together. When the vocal folds are adducted or closed, air passing through the larynx must pass through this narrow gap. The size or width of the true glottis affects the pitch and volume of the sound produced during speech or singing.
During vocalization, the true glottis plays a crucial role in regulating the vibratory pattern of the vocal folds. It is responsible for determining the quality and characteristics of the sound produced. When the vocal folds are tightly adducted, the true glottis becomes thinner, creating a higher pitched sound, whereas if the vocal folds are less adducted, the true glottis becomes wider, resulting in a lower pitched sound.
Disorders or abnormalities related to the true glottis can lead to voice problems such as hoarseness or raspiness. Conditions like vocal fold nodules or polyps can interfere with the proper closure of the true glottis, affecting the sound quality and causing vocal strain.
In summary, the true glottis is the space between the vocal folds in the larynx that is crucial for sound production during phonation. It regulates the pitch and volume of the voice and is susceptible to various pathologies that can impact vocal function.
G. Vera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "true glottis" is not derived from a specific etymology. Rather, it is a linguistic term that is formed by combining two words together: "true" and "glottis".
- "True" comes from the Middle English word "trewe" and Old English word "treowe", which ultimately stem from the Proto-Germanic "*triwwiz". This word meant "faithful" or "loyal".
- "Glottis" comes from the Latin word "glōtta" which originated from the Greek word "glottis". Both the Latin and Greek terms refer to the space between the vocal cords in the larynx.
Therefore, "true glottis" refers to the vocal apparatus or the space between the vocal cords that is accurately known and described, distinguishing it from other related parts in linguistics.