Which phenomenon explains the closure of the vocal folds due to a drop in air pressure?

The closure of the vocal folds due to a drop in air pressure is best explained by the Bernoulli effect. This principle relates to fluid dynamics and describes how an increase in the speed of a fluid (in this case, air) leads to a decrease in pressure. When air is pushed through the narrow space between the vocal folds (the glottis), the speed of airflow increases, resulting in lower air pressure in that area. This drop in pressure creates a suction effect that draws the vocal folds together, facilitating their closure.

The Bernoulli effect underlines the importance of pressure differentials in phonation, making it essential for understanding how we produce sound. As the vocal folds vibrate, they alternate between open and closed positions, allowing for the modulation of sound. This phenomenon is crucial for voice production, including speaking and singing, and demonstrates how physical principles govern biological processes.

In contrast, while Newton's law of motion and kinetic energy theory deal with aspects of movement and energy, they do not specifically address the relationship between airflow and pressure in this context. Bernoulli's principle, although closely related, is often used synonymously with the Bernoulli effect but more broadly encompasses the concepts of energy conservation and fluid behavior, which might