Test bench for human excised larynx studies
Résumé
Many questions about the physiology of vocal folds vibration, mechanical properties of the vocal folds, impacts of pathologies on the vocal mechanism are investigated in different ways: physical modeling, experiments in vivo on animals or in human volunteers or patients, and also on excised larynges (animals or human/autopsic). Many parameters are involved in phonation and quality of the voice such as the source (flow, pressure), the action of laryngeal muscles and glottal configuration, temperature and humidity. Objectives: In order to independently control these parameters with a biologic model as similar as possible to in vivo human conditions, and also to reach a level of reproducibility that permits measurements comparisons, we have developed a dedicated test bench for human excised larynges. Several classic measurements are systematically recorded such as airflow, subglottal pressure, glottograph signal, sound (F0 and intensity), but also contact pressure between vocal folds. A high-speed camera is also synchronized for glottis area and motion analysis. The glottal configuration depends on each study, and has been automated to achieve dynamical control, reproducing the action of laryngeal muscles. The humidified airflow is applied to the larynx via an intubation tube introduced in the three last upper rings of the trachea.
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