Question

The glottis is part of which speech organ?

• A. Lungs
• B. Larynx
• C. Tongue
• D. Teeth

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Larynx

Understanding the Glottis and Larynx in Speech Production

• The glottis is not an organ itself, but rather the space or opening between the vocal folds (also known as vocal cords).
• The larynx, commonly known as the 'voice box', is a cartilaginous structure located in the neck, housing the vocal folds. Therefore, the glottis is an integral part of the larynx.

• Key Functions and Facts:

  • Larynx's Primary Roles: The larynx plays crucial roles in breathing (allowing air passage to the lungs), sound production (phonation), and protecting the trachea from food aspiration during swallowing.
  • Vocal Folds/Cords: These are two folds of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx. Their vibration, controlled by muscular tension and air pressure, creates sound. The glottis is the gap between these folds.
  • Phonation: The process of producing vocal sounds is called phonation, which primarily occurs through the vibration of the vocal folds within the larynx.
  • Glottal States: The state of the glottis significantly impacts speech sounds:
    • Wide Open Glottis: Allows air to pass freely, resulting in voiceless sounds (e.g., the 's' in 'sip', 'f' in 'fan') and normal breathing.
    • Narrow or Closed Glottis: Causes the vocal folds to vibrate as air passes through, producing voiced sounds (e.g., the 'z' in 'zip', 'v' in 'van').
    • Completely Closed Glottis (Glottal Stop): Briefly stops airflow, used in some languages or as a transition (e.g., 'uh-oh').
  • Laryngeal Cartilages (for competitive exams): The larynx is composed of several cartilages, providing its structure and support:
    • Thyroid Cartilage: The largest, forming the 'Adam's apple' (prominent in males).
    • Cricoid Cartilage: Ring-shaped, located below the thyroid cartilage.
    • Arytenoid Cartilages: Paired, small cartilages located on the posterior upper border of the cricoid, crucial for vocal fold movement.
    • Epiglottis: A leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airways.
  • Understanding the glottis and larynx is fundamental in the field of phonology, which studies the sound systems of languages, including how sounds are produced (articulatory phonetics).