Skip to main content

Fundamental Frequency

Meaning

The fundamental frequency, often denoted as F0, is the lowest frequency of a vibrating object, specifically referring in human physiology to the rate at which the vocal folds vibrate during phonation, perceived clinically as vocal pitch. This acoustic parameter is a primary determinant of voice quality and is highly sensitive to the structural mass and tension of the vocal folds, which are regulated by sex hormones. In the context of hormonal health, measuring F0 is a critical objective tool for assessing the degree of vocal virilization or the effects of hormone therapy.