Anatomy of the Voice: An Illustrated Guide for Singers, Vocal Coaches, and Speech Therapists

by Theodore Dimon Jr, G. David Brown (Illustrator)

Overview

The first comprehensive, fully-illustrated approach to the voice that explains the anatomy and mechanics in detailed yet down-to-earth terms, for voice users and professionals of all kinds

This book is the first to explain, in clear and concise language, the anatomy and mechanics of the mysterious and complex bodily system we call the voice. Beautifully illustrated with more than 100 detailed images, Anatomy of the Voice guides voice teachers and students, vocal coaches, professional singers and actors, and anyone interested in the voice through the complex landscape of breathing, larynx, throat, face, and jaw. Theodore Dimon, an internationally recognized authority on the subject, as well as an expert in the Alexander Technique, makes unfamiliar terrain accessible and digestible by describing each vocal system in short, manageable sections and explaining complex terminology. The topics he covers include ribs, diaphragm, and muscles of breathing; the intrinsic musculature of the larynx, its structure and action; the suspensory muscles of the throat; the face and jaw; the tongue and palate; and the evolution and function of the larynx.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623171971
Publisher:	North Atlantic Books
Publication date:	04/24/2018
Pages:	120
Sales rank:	684,850
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

DR. THEODORE DIMON, JR. is the founder and director of the Dimon Institute, which teaches a holistic model of mind-body integration. A widely recognized expert in the Alexander Technique, Dr. Dimon has spent the past 35 years developing an innovative theory of education that focuses on mastery of mind and body as the foundation for all learning. His previous books include The Undivided Self, Anatomy of the Moving Body, The Elements of Skill, The Body in Motion, and Your Body, Your Voice. He resides and works in New York City.

G. DAVID BROWN is a professor of illustration at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A medical illustrator with 26 years of experience, Brown earned a masters degree in medical illustration from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas, where he also served for four years on the graduate faculty of the Department of Biomedical Communications. Brown is also the cofounder of Synapse Media Productions, Inc., producing medical illustration work for print and video productions.

Table of Contents

List Of Illustrations ix

Introduction xiii

1 The Anatomy of Breathing 1

The Spine and Rib Cage 3

Joints of the Ribs 4

Action of the Ribs 6

Intercostal Muscles 7

The Diaphragm 10

Action of the Diaphragm 12

Diaphragm and Abdominal Cavity 13

The Abdominal Muscles 14

Auxiliary Muscles of Breathing 16

Extensor and Flexor Support of the Trunk 17

The Lungs and Trachea 22

Lung Capacity 24

2 The Larynx 25

Basic Structure of the Larynx 26

The Framework of the Larynx 27

The Epiglottis 28

Cricoarytenoid Joint 28

Cricothyroid Joint 29

Conus Elasticus 30

The Interior of the Larynx 30

Muscles of the Epiglottis 32

The Structure of the Vocal Folds 34

Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx 34

Actions of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx 37

Cricothyroid and Thyroarytenoid Antagonism 42

Action of the Larynx Muscles in Chest Register 43

Action of the Larynx Muscles in Falsetto Register 44

Action of the Larynx Muscles in Head Register 45

3 The Extrinsic Muscles Of The Larynx 47

The Suspensory Muscles of the Larynx 48

Action of the Suspensory Muscles during Singing 51

Supported Falsetto 53

Head Voice 53

The Hyoid Apparatus 54

Sidebar: The Hyoid Bone 55

Muscles of the Hyoid Bone and Taw 56

4 The Mouth and Pharynx 59

Muscles of the Mouth and Throat 61

The Function of the Palate 63

The Muscles of the Palate 64

Sidebar: The Action of Swallowing (Deglutition) 66

The Arched Palate 66

The Tongue and Its Function 68

Position of the Tongue in Singing 69

The Low Larynx and Widened Pharynx 71

5 The Face and Jaw 73

The Mask 74

The Nostrils and Nasal Cavity 75

Muscles of the Nostrils 76

The Eyes and Forehead 78

The Cheeks 80

The Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint 82

Position of the Jaw in Singing 83

Muscles of the Jaw 84

6 The Evolution and Function Of The Larynx 87

The Origin of the Larynx 87

Evolution of the Cartilages and Muscles of the Larynx 88

Extrinsic Muscles of the Larynx and Deglutition 88

The Palate, Epiglottis, and Nasal Passages 90

Design of the Vocal Folds 92

The Pharynx, Upright Posture, and Human Speech 94

Epilogue 97

Index 99

About The Author 103