According to the Myoelastic-Aerodynamic theory of vocal fold vibration, what force helps to bring the vocal folds back together after being blown apart?

The Myoelastic-Aerodynamic theory of vocal fold vibration describes the complex interactions between muscle tension, elasticity of the vocal folds, and aerodynamic forces during phonation. According to this theory, when air is pushed from the lungs through the trachea, it creates an aerodynamic force that not only helps to open the vocal folds but also plays a crucial role in bringing them back together after they have been blown apart.

The Bernoulli principle states that as the velocity of a fluid (in this case, air) increases, the pressure within that fluid decreases. When the vocal folds are blown apart by the airflow, the velocity of the air passing through the glottis increases, creating a drop in pressure on the sides of the vocal folds. This pressure differential generates a Bernoulli effect, which contributes to the closing of the vocal folds after being separated. The rapid closure is essential for producing sound and maintaining phonation.

Understanding this force is vital because it highlights the importance of airflow in the process of vocal fold vibration. Without the Bernoulli effect, the vocal folds would not be able to reapproximate effectively, which is essential for clear speech and vocalization. Thus, recognizing the role of the Bernoulli force in this context is