Vocal Fold Mass Is Not A Useful Quantity for Describing F 0 in Vocalization

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Abstract
Purpose: Confusion exists about the effect of mass and size of the vocal folds on fundamental frequency (F 0 ) of phonation. In particular, greater vocal fold thickness is often assumed to be associated with lower F 0 . The purpose here is to show that such a relationship does not exist and that F 0 should be conceptualized with quantities other than mass (i.e., length and tissue stress). Method: Arguments are made on the basis of fundamental laws of mechanics (point-mass vs. distributed mass). Conclusion: In speech science, phonetics, and animal vocalization disciplines, instruction should shift away from point-mass descriptions of vocal fold tissue and toward an understanding of mode frequencies in an elastic continuum.

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