2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Biomedical Engineering Programs frequently teach physiology courses from a quantitative or systems point of view. A survey of 10 top programs in biomedical or biological engineering indicated that 8 required an engineering physiology course in the curriculum. Finding relevant engineering subjects to add quantitative content to a physiology course can be challenging.

The mechanisms of speech production are rarely if ever included in standard physiology texts. A survey of 10 popular physiology textbooks showed that none included either anatomy of the larynx or an explanation of speech production. Additionally, 3 popular engineering-specific physiology textbooks also ignored the topic.

Speech production exposes students to the concepts of frequency domain, filtering, resonance and fundamental physics of a vibrating string. When studying the anatomy and physics of the vocal cords, students predict the fundamental and harmonic frequencies produced by a standing wave in a string attached at both ends. Likewise, the passage of the output of the vocal cords through the vocal tract is a way to introduce simple filtering and resonant frequencies that produce the formants of speech.

Laboratory exercises can reinforce the concepts. Recording software such as Adobe Audition gives students the ability to view frequency harmonics and formants in real time. A simple slide flute demonstrates the effect of changing tube length on frequency production, analogous to the length of the throat. Stringed instruments can be used to show the dependence of tension, mass per unit length, and string length on the frequency produced, explaining the behavior of the vocal cords. A child’s party toy, the “groan tube” simultaneously produces two different resonant frequencies resulting in vowel-like sounds, reinforcing the relationship of formant frequencies to vowel production. Use of an electrolarynx in lab exposes students to current solutions to restore voice production to patients after laryngectomy.

Class discussion of electrolarynxes and tracheoesophageal punctures provides a launching point for discussions of limitations of current technologies and possible improvements. In addition, knowledge of the mechanisms of speech production may provide a basis for teaching speech recognition in more advanced classes.