Structures of Speech Flashcards
What other systems of the body is the speech mechanism either directly or indirectly dependent on?
All of them
What is a delayed swallow reflex?
A delayed swallow reflex occurs when the epiglottis is not triggered fast enough
What is an absent swallow reflex?
When the epiglottis is not triggered to cover the larynx at all
What path does food travel?
Oral cavity –> Pharynx –> Esophagus –> Stomach
What are the nares?
The opening to the nasal cavity, aka nostrils
What purpose does the velum serve?
It raises to create velopharyngeal closure.
If not closed properly, hypernasalization occurs
What is the velum also known as?
The soft palate
What is the pharynx?
The muscular, hollow tube that leads to the esophagus
What is the epiglottis shaped similar to?
An oak leaf
What is the epiglottis?
A small piece of elastic cartilage that closes the larynx during the swallow
What are some possible names for the upper esophageal sphincter?
Cricopharynx, pharyngoesophageal segment, UES, P-E segment
What position does the pharyngoesophageal segment stay in?
A tonic state of contraction, i.e. always closed, except for during the swallow
What is the purpose of the phayngoesophageal segment?
To stop reflux from entering the pharynx
What is the esophagus?
A tube that runs from the pharynx to the stomach with the sole purpose of transporting food
What is the esophagus made of?
Smooth muscle tissue
What is the trachea?
16-20 rings of horseshoe-shaped hyaline cartilage that goes from the larynx to the main stem bronchus of the lungs
What are the rings of cartilage in the trachea separated by?
A fibroelastic membrane called the intratracheal membrane
What is the carina of the trachea?
The point of the trachea where it splits into the left and right main bronchi
What is in the larynx?
The vocal folds
What is the only bone in the body not connected to another bone?
The hyoid bone
What is the hyoid bone?
A u-shaped bone at the base of the tongue, suspended in place by extrinsic laryngeal muscles
What is the vallecular area?
A pouch formed by the base of the tongue and the upright epiglottis
What are bronchi?
Tubes that extend from the trachea to lungs, forming bronchial tree
