Overview
This lecture covers the anatomy involved in speech production, highlighting the structures and functions necessary for generating spoken language.
Main Speech Structures
- Speech production involves the respiratory, phonatory, resonatory, and articulatory systems.
- The respiratory system provides the airflow and pressure needed for speech.
- The phonatory system, primarily the larynx and vocal folds, produces sound.
- The resonatory system includes oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities that shape sound quality.
- The articulatory system consists of the tongue, lips, jaw, teeth, and palate for precise speech sounds.
Respiratory System
- The lungs provide the source of air and pressure essential for phonation.
- The diaphragm and intercostal muscles control breath support for speech.
Phonatory System
- The larynx houses the vocal folds, which vibrate to create the sound source for speech.
- Tension and length of vocal folds determine pitch and loudness.
Resonatory System
- The oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities filter and amplify sounds produced by the larynx.
- The velum (soft palate) controls the airflow between the oral and nasal cavities.
Articulatory System
- The tongue, lips, teeth, jaw, and palate modify sound into distinct speech sounds.
- Movements of these structures produce vowels, consonants, and various speech effects.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Phonation — The process of producing vocal sound by vibration of the vocal folds.
- Resonance — The modification of sound as it passes through the oral and nasal cavities.
- Articulation — The shaping of speech sounds by movements of the oral structures.
- Larynx — The structure in the throat containing the vocal folds.
- Velum (Soft Palate) — The movable part of the roof of the mouth that directs airflow.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams of the speech anatomy systems.
- Read assigned textbook chapter on speech production for more detail.
- Prepare questions on functions of each system for class discussion.