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Review
. 2016 Jul 1:64:444-453.
doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.04.018. Epub 2016 Apr 8.

Functional assessment of the ex vivo vocal folds through biomechanical testing: A review

Gregory R Dion  1 , Seema Jeswani  1 , Scott Roof  1 , Mark Fritz  1 , Paulo G Coelho  2 , Michael Sobieraj  2 , Milan R Amin  1 , Ryan C Branski  3
Affiliations
Review

Functional assessment of the ex vivo vocal folds through biomechanical testing: A review

Gregory R Dion et al. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. .

Abstract

The human vocal folds are complex structures made up of distinct layers that vary in cellular and extracellular composition. The mechanical properties of vocal fold tissue are fundamental to the study of both the acoustics and biomechanics of voice production. To date, quantitative methods have been applied to characterize the vocal fold tissue in both normal and pathologic conditions. This review describes, summarizes, and discusses the most commonly employed methods for vocal fold biomechanical testing. Force-elongation, torsional parallel plate rheometry, simple-shear parallel plate rheometry, linear skin rheometry, and indentation are the most frequently employed biomechanical tests for vocal fold tissues and each provide material properties data that can be used to compare native tissue to diseased or treated tissue. Force-elongation testing is clinically useful, as it allows for functional unit testing, while rheometry provides physiologically relevant shear data, and nanoindentation permits micrometer scale testing across different areas of the vocal fold as well as whole organ testing. Thoughtful selection of the testing technique during experimental design to evaluate a hypothesis is critical to optimize biomechanical testing of vocal fold tissues.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Elastic modulus; Mechanical stress; Nanoindentation; Phonation; Shear strength; Vocal folds; Voice.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Videolaryngoscopic view from above of fully abducted healthy vocal folds.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Coronal sketch of the vocal tract from trachea to supraglottis (LEFT). Cross-sectional view of the vocal folds (RIGHT) depicting the various layers that comprise the vocal fold. SLP = superficial lamina propria, ILP = intermediate lamina propria, DLP = deep lamina propria, VM = vocalis muscle.
Figure 3
Figure 3
A) Force-Elongation test system diagram, B) Torsional plate rheometer diagram. The rotating upper plate oscillates in a sinusoidal fashion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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