Larynx and airway: determinants of pitch: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx and airway: determinants of pitch

Sample item

A man's voice is lower in pitch than a woman's. What is the main reason for this difference?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Longer and thicker vocal folds with a lower fundamental frequency

Fundamental frequency depends on the length, mass and tension of the vibrating folds. Adult male cords are longer and heavier, producing about 100 to 120 Hz versus about 200 Hz in women. Raising pitch is achieved by cricothyroid contraction, which lengthens and tenses the folds.

Option by option

  • A. Smaller laryngeal cartilages

    Smaller cartilages would raise pitch.

  • B. Longer and thicker vocal folds with a lower fundamental frequency (correct)

    Correct. Longer, heavier folds vibrate more slowly.

  • C. Increased subglottic pressure alone

    Subglottic pressure mainly affects loudness.

  • D. Shorter vocal folds under greater tension

    Shorter, tenser folds give a higher pitch.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Longer and thicker vocal folds with a lower fundamental frequency. Fundamental frequency depends on the length, mass and tension of the vibrating folds.

Why is "Smaller laryngeal cartilages" not the answer?

Smaller cartilages would raise pitch.

Why is "Increased subglottic pressure alone" not the answer?

Subglottic pressure mainly affects loudness.

Why is "Shorter vocal folds under greater tension" not the answer?

Shorter, tenser folds give a higher pitch.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: determinants of pitch in ENT. Adult male cords are longer and heavier, producing about 100 to 120 Hz versus about 200 Hz in women. Raising pitch is achieved by cricothyroid contraction, which lengthens and tenses the folds.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx and airway: determinants of pitch?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.