Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations by intra-laryngeal planar impinging jets

Abstract

Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are a vital tool for linking gene mutations to behavior in mouse models of communication disorders, such as autism [1]. However, we currently lack an understanding of how physiological and physical mechanisms combine to generate acoustic features of the vocalizations, and thus cannot meaningfully relate those features to experimental treatments. Here we test and provide evidence against the two leading hypotheses explaining USV production: superficial vocal fold vibrations [2], and a hole-tone whistle [3]. Instead, we propose and provide theoretical and experimental evidence for an alternative and novel vocal production mechanism: a glottal jet impinging onto the laryngeal inner planar wall. Our data provide a framework for future research on the neuromuscular control of mouse vocal production and for interpreting mouse vocal behavior phenotypes.