Comparative histochemical aspects of mammalian thyroarytenoid musculature.

A survey is given of histological and histochemical aspects of mammalian thyroarytenoid musculature of several animal species. Purpose of the study is to find out in what respect the possibility of differentiated and prolonged sound production can be found back in the histological and histochemical properties of mammalian thyroarytenoid musculature. The findings are compared to the results of previous studies of thyroarytenoid musculature in man (Kersing and Jennekens, 2004).

Accuracy of measurements on digital videostroboscopic images of the vocal folds.

Objectives: The reliability of objective measurements on digital laryngeal images was investigated.

Methods: The magnitude of the error of measurement of surface areas by visually tracing the outline was determined for three different areas: the area of the lesion and, during vibration, the glottal area on maximal opening of the vocal folds and the glottal area on maximal closing of the vocal folds.

Results: The errors in these areas were 10% to 30%.

Age-related changes in human thyroarytenoid muscles: a histological and histochemical study.

We examined the thyroarytenoid muscles of 23 larynges in order to assess function-related characteristics and to discover age-related changes. The neonatal thyroarytenoid muscle differed from limb muscles in the slow maturation of fibre types. In adults, we examined the medial part of the thyroarytenoid muscle.

Effects of voice therapy as objectively evaluated by digitized laryngeal stroboscopic imaging.

Objective measurements derived from digitized laryngeal stroboscopic images were used to demonstrate changes in vocal fold vibration and in the size of benign lesions after 3 months of voice therapy. Forty chronically dysphonic patients were studied. By means of a rigid stroboscope, pretreatment and posttreatment recordings were made of the vocal folds at rest and under stroboscopic light during phonation.

Laryngeal and vocal changes during vagus nerve stimulation in epileptic patients.

Left vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) by means of an implanted electrode has proven to reduce seizure frequency in epileptic patients with medically refractory seizures. This technique is now widely applied over the world. Voice changes appear to be one of the major side effects.