264 



HITCHCOCK'S ANATOMY 



FUNCTIONS OF THE LARYNX. 



461. Similarity of the Larynx to a Reed Instrument.— 



The larynx, as an organ of sound, very much resembles a 

 reed instrument, or the reed pipes in an organ. For we 

 have the reed, or rather the reeds, in the vocal cords, and the 

 column of air in the pharynx and mouth. This, however, 

 differs from the proper reed instrument by the vibration of 

 free edges of the reed, and also by the power of tightening or 

 relaxing the cords to produce different pitches of tone ; for in 

 the hautboy, bassoon, and similar instruments, the tone is 

 regulated by the length of the vibrating column of air, which 

 is controlled by the keys and finger-holes. 



462. Use of the Cartilages. — The arrangement of the 

 cartilages of the larynx is such as to give form and stability 

 to the organ, and at the same time a firm attachment to the 

 vocal cords, muscles, and ligaments. In male adults these 

 are much larger than in females, since the voice of the former 

 is heavier and of a much lower tone than that of the latter, 

 requiring greater length of vocal cord, and consequently 

 firmer points of attachment. 



463. Organs Essential for tnc Production of mere 



Sound. — The vocal cords, together with the diaphragm, ab- 

 dominal muscles, and lungs, are all the organs which are 

 necessary for the production of sound. But the quality of 

 sound and articulation are produced and modified very essen- 

 tially by other parts of the body. 



464. Use of the Cavity in the Frontal Bone— The si- 

 nus, or cavity in the frontal bone which communicates with 

 the pharynx, is a very important member of the vocal organs, 

 as it imparts resonance to the voice in the same manner as the 



461. W'hat kind of instrument docs the larynx resemble ? What correspond to the 

 reeds? 462. Of what use are the cartilages? Are the vocal cords longest in man or 

 woman? What is the result of it? 463. What organs of the body are necessary for the 

 production o f sound ? 464, Of what use is the cavity in the frontal bone ? 



