Question 1

Q: What is the typical position of the vocal cords in a cadaver at rest?

Neutral position (typical at rest in a cadaver). ***Neutral position (typical at rest in a cadaver)*** - In a cadaver, the muscles controlling vocal cord movement are no longer active, leading to a **flaccid state**. - This flaccid state results in the vocal cords resting in a **paramedian or neutral position**, which is between full abduction and full adduction. *Closed position (as seen during phonation)* - This position requires the active contraction of **adductor muscles** (e.g., lateral cricoarytenoid), which is absent in a cadaver. - Vocal cords are fully adducted during **phonation** to vibrate and produce sound. *Slightly adducted position* - While "neutral" can be considered slightly adducted relative to maximal abduction, this option doesn't fully capture the **passive, flaccid state** of a cadaver. - Active slight adduction is usually a **conscious muscular effort** in a living person. *Widely separated position (as seen during deep inspiration)* - This position, also known as **full abduction**, requires active contraction of the **posterior cricoarytenoid muscles** to open the glottis widely for maximal airflow. - In a cadaver, these muscles are inactive, so the vocal cords cannot maintain this **abducted state**.

Question

What is the typical position of the vocal cords in a cadaver at rest?

Accepted Answer

Neutral position (typical at rest in a cadaver)

Answer

Slightly adducted position

Answer

Widely separated position (as seen during deep inspiration)

Answer

Closed position (as seen during phonation)

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