Describe the process of inhalation and exhalation. Which anatomical structures are involved in these processes?
Inhalation - the chest cavity expands to make room for the expansion of the lungs. The diaphragm contracts and lowers, making the rib cage expand and enlarging the thoracic cavity ad creating space for the inflating lungs. Exhalation - lungs deflate while
What is the Bernouli effect? What is its importance in the production of speech?
A drop in pressure created by an increase in airflow through a constriction. It is important because it helps to explain vocal fold adduction.
Glottis
The space between the vocal folds
Abduction/Adduction
Abduction is when the vocal folds remain apart allowing the air to flow through. Adduction is when the vocal folds are brought together.
Hyoid Bone
A floating bone that doesn't attach to another bone. It gives structural support to the larynx.
Uvula
the rounded, tablike structure located at the posterior tip of the velum
Which structures comprise the vocal tract?
larynx, pharynx, oral and nasal cavities
What is the difference between a voiced and voiceless sound?
A voiced sound is produced with vocal fold vibration. A voiceless sound is produced without vocal fold vibration.
What is the pharynx, and what are its three major components?
The throat. It directs airflow from the larynx to the oral and nasal cavities and it connects to the esophagus. It is comprised of the laryngopharynx, oropharynx, and nasopharynx.
What is the larynx, and what are its major cartilaginous components?
It is the cartilaginous and muscular structure that houses the vocal folds. It is responsible for phonation. Its major cartilaginous components are the thyroid, arytenoid, and cricoid cartilage.
What is phonation? Which anatomical structures are involved in phonation?
It is the vibration of the vocal folds in creation of a voiced sound. The laryngeal system is involved.
What is articulation?
Articulation is the modification of the airstream by the speech organs in production of spoken language.
Identify and describe each of the geographical landmarks of the tongue.
The tongue includes the tip/apex then the blade which lies right behind the tip. Then comes the body which is broken down in to the front and the back. The front lies inferior to the hard palate and the back lies inferior to the velum.
What is the difference between an oral sound and a nasal sound?
A nasal phoneme is produced with complete closure in the nasal cavity along with a lowered velum to allow airflow through the nasal cavity. An oral phoneme is produced with a raised velum so that the airstream is directed through the oral cavity.
Why does an adult male have a different habitual pitch than an adult female?
Because the vocal fold tissue in the male larynx has greater mass than the female larynx, the male vocal folds vibrate more slowly. Thus, the male voice is perceived as being lower in pitch.