The Human Voice
and the two Main Theories of Phonation

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There are a few differing views that discuss how the vocal folds produce sound.

The main two are:

the Myoelastic-Aerodynamic Theory of Phonation and the Neuro-Oscillatory Theory of Phonation.

The first, Myoelastic-aerodynamic, refers to the idea that the vocal folds move in their classic wave due to a reaction to the air flow from the lungs. Basically, that they are blown apart and wave back together due to their elastic nature.

Vocal fold movement

The second, Neuro-oscillatory, refers to the idea that the vocal folds move because of a neuro-muscular response from signals in the brain. Basically, the brain sends a signal to the vocalis, initiating movement, and the air flow from the lungs carries the vibrations out of the pharynx.

Either way, vibrations starting at the vocal folds travel through the pharynx and the mouth outside your body. Its up to the articulators to shape the sounds into a discernable form. Any time you sing, speak or make noises, it starts with air from your lungs, through your vocal folds and up through your pharynx. It is then shaped by the articulators (tongue, lips, teeth, etc.) to produce a message.

Cool trick: While you're singing along with the radio, or a piece from your repetoire, think about the words that you're saying/speaking/conveying. This intentional attention, called audiation (to audiate is to think the sound of the words much like to visualize is to think about the appearance of something) to the words will help improve clarity of tone and technique!