To increase vocal fold tension, what should be done?

To increase vocal fold tension, engaging the muscles in the vocal folds is essential. The tension of the vocal folds is primarily regulated by the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, specifically the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles. When these muscles contract, they adjust the position and length of the vocal folds, which in turn increases tension. Greater tension in the vocal folds results in a higher pitch during phonation, as the frequency of vibration increases with the tension level.

In contrast, other options do not directly contribute to increasing vocal fold tension. Decreasing subglottal pressure would lower the driving force for phonation and potentially reduce tension. Relaxing the throat muscles could hinder vocal fold closure and reduce tension. Finally, inhaling deeply primarily fills the lungs with air, which might prepare for phonation, but does not directly affect the state of tension of the vocal folds themselves.