Phonetics: The Three Systems of Speech Production

Vocabulary flashcards covering the respiratory, laryngeal, and supralaryngeal systems involved in speech production as discussed in Chapter 3 of the Phonetics lecture.

Voice Fundamental Frequency

The rate of vibration of the vocal folds, measured in Hertz ($Hz$).

Respiratory System

The system comprising the lungs, rib cage, abdomen, and diaphragm used for the storage and flow of air.

Laryngeal System

The system containing the larynx, cartilage, and muscles that sits on top of the trachea and houses the vocal folds.

Supralaryngeal System

The system above the larynx consisting of the pharyngeal, oral (lips, teeth, jaw, tongue), and nasal structures.

Velopharyngeal Closure

A process where the soft palate moves superiorly and posteriorly, side pharyngeal walls move medially, and the posterior pharyngeal wall moves anteriorly.

Jaw

Also known as the mandible, it is an articulator connected by the temporomandibular joint.

Tongue

An articulator consisting of five parts: the body, tip, blade, dorsum, and root.

Egressive

Speech sounds produced by the flow of air out of the lungs, which includes English sounds.

Ingressive

Speech sounds produced by an inward flow of air.

Diaphragm

The large, flat muscle located below the lungs that is the main muscle used for producing speech and drops to expand lung volume during respiration.

Larynx

Also known as the voice box, its functions include protection and sound production.

Trachea

Also known as the windpipe, it serves as an air passage way.

Pharynx

The primary resonating chamber that sits on top of the esophagus.

Vocal Folds

Also known as vocal cords, these are flexible muscles attached to the walls of the pharynx that vibrate to produce sound.

Phonation

The process where vocal folds approximate together during voicing as air is exhaled.

Abducted

The term for when the vocal folds are open or apart.

Nasal Cavity

A chamber that filters air, produces mucus, and serves as a space in which speech resonates.

Hard Palate

The roof of the mouth which acts as a voice resonator.

Soft Palate

Also called the velum, it is an extension of the hard palate that helps control air flow from the lungs to the mouth and nasal cavity.

Uvula

A small structure that hangs from the middle of the soft palate.