Name___________________________________ Date ___________________

Teacher __________________________ Class __________________________

Vocal Anatomy, Function, and Health

Pre-Test
Answer the following questions to test your knowledge of the anatomy, function, and
health of the voice. This test is designed to measure your knowledge, and will not be
graded. PLEASE DO NOT GUESS; If you do not know the answer to a question, leave it
blank.

Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Circle you’re answer.

T F 1. The lungs are muscles that control the breathing process.

T F 2. A sharp pain in the throat could indicate voice muscle fatigue.

T F 3. The production of vocal sound is called phonation.

T F 4. Local anesthetics such as Chloraseptic should be used when

singing to prevent vocal strain.

T F 5. Cigarette smoke is more harmful to the body than marijuana smoke.

T F 6. The most important muscles for exhalation are the abdominals and
the internal intercostals.

T F 7. In order to stay well-hydrated, a person should drink at least 10-12

glasses of water per day.

T F 8. A singer with a sinus infection should clear their throat often.

T F 9. A high school singer should not sing for more than one hour per
day.

T F 10. Drinking soda or coffee can help to keep the voice hydrated.
 Vocal Anatomy, Function, and Health Pre-Test
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Circle the answer that best completes each statement.

11. During breathing for singing, the lungs can contain up to

a. 2 pints of air.
b. 4 pints of air.
c. 8 pints of air.
d. 16 pints of air.

12. The space between the vocal folds is called the

a. glottis.
b. epiglottis.
c. pleura.
d. hard palate.

13. The structure that forms the Adam’s apple

a. glottis
b. thyroid cartilage
c. hyoid bone
d. cricoid cartilage.

14. Which of the following is not a part of the breathing apparatus?

a. diaphragm
b. tongue
c. trachea
d. intercostals

15. Resonation occurs when

a. the teeth and lips work together to make consonant sounds.
b. air is drawn into the lungs through the trachea.
c. the vibrations produced by the vocal folds are reinforced to produce vocal sound.
d. air meets resistance with the vocal folds.

16. Inhalation is controlled by the

a. abdominals and diaphragm.
b. lungs and intercostals.
c. and external intercostals.
d. lungs and abdominals.

17. The most important body part for vowel formation is the
a. palate.
b. larynx.
c. trachea.
d. tongue.

18. The parts that work together in articulation are the

a. lips, tongue and teeth.
b. mouth, palate, and tongue.
c. nasal cavities, tongue and throat.
d. lips, teeth and palate.
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19. The altering of vocal sounds to form words is called

a. resonation..
b. phonation.
c. articulation.
d. exhalation.

20. A singer with laryngitis due to a cold or sinus infection should

a. limit strenuous voice use.
b. take antihistamines.
c. get lots of exercise.
d. drink coffee to reduce headaches.

Answer the following questions using as much detail as possible. Use the backs of pages
if necessary.

21. Choose three of the following health conditions and discuss the effects on the voice. Include
symptoms, causes, treatments, and methods of prevention for each.
● laryngitis
● cold/sore throat/sinus infection
● vocal nodules
● vocal polyps
● contact ulcers
● acid reflux
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22. Name three conditions caused by smoking that have a negative effect on the voice and
describe them.

23. Explain the function of the diaphragm in the breathing process. Include its anatomical location
and shape. (Where is it located? What does it attach to? What is its function in breathing and
singing?)
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24. Explain the process of inhalation. Which muscles are used? How do these muscles work
together in this process?

25. Explain the process of exhalation. Which muscles are used? How do these muscles work
together in this process?
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Identify the anatomical parts in each of the following three diagrams. Write the name of
each part in the corresponding box.