What role do the paranasal sinuses play in voice production?

The paranasal sinuses play a significant role in enhancing voice resonance. These air-filled cavities within the bones of the skull act as resonating chambers that modify the sound produced by the vocal cords. When a person speaks or sings, the sound waves produced originate from the larynx and travel through the throat and mouth. The presence of the paranasal sinuses allows these sound waves to bounce and amplify, thereby enriching the overall quality of the voice. This resonance contributes to the fullness and richness of vocal sound, allowing for greater depth and tonal variation.

Unlike the function of vibrating tissues, controlling pitch, or restricting airflow, which are primarily managed by other structures such as the vocal cords and the larynx, resonance provided by the sinuses enhances the harmonic richness of the voice. The sinuses do not directly create sound but significantly influence how the sound is perceived, making their role essential in effective voice production.