1. Respiratory System:
* Lungs: Provide the air supply for speech.
* Diaphragm: The primary muscle of respiration, it expands the chest cavity for inhalation and contracts for exhalation.
* Intercostal muscles: Help to expand and contract the rib cage, assisting the diaphragm.
2. Phonatory System:
* Larynx (voice box): Contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound.
* Vocal cords: Two small, elastic bands that stretch across the larynx. Air pressure from the lungs causes them to vibrate.
* Glottis: The opening between the vocal cords.
* Thyroid cartilage: The largest cartilage of the larynx, also known as the "Adam's apple."
* Cricoid cartilage: A ring-shaped cartilage below the thyroid cartilage.
3. Articulatory System:
* Pharynx: The throat, which connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx.
* Oral cavity: The mouth, which includes the teeth, tongue, and palate.
* Nasal cavity: The space behind the nose, which contributes to nasal sounds.
* Tongue: A highly flexible muscle that helps to articulate sounds by changing its shape and position.
* Teeth: Help to form the shape of the oral cavity and modify sounds.
* Hard palate: The bony roof of the mouth.
* Soft palate: The fleshy part of the roof of the mouth, which can be raised to block air from going into the nasal cavity.
* Lips: Help to form the shape of the mouth and produce lip sounds.
* Mandible (jaw): Allows for the opening and closing of the mouth, which is essential for articulation.
4. Nervous System:
* Brain: Controls all aspects of speech production, including the planning, execution, and monitoring of speech movements.
* Nerves: Transmit signals from the brain to the muscles involved in speech production.
How it works:
1. Inspiration: The respiratory system draws air into the lungs.
2. Phonation: The air is expelled from the lungs and passes through the larynx, causing the vocal cords to vibrate.
3. Articulation: The air is further modified by the articulatory system, shaping it into different sounds.
The coordination of these systems allows us to produce a wide variety of sounds, enabling us to speak, sing, and even whisper.