Final Answer:
Hyponasality may be associated with abnormally large (hypertrophied) Palate and uvula, a deviated septum, an obstructed naris, choanal atresia (bony or membranous occlusion of the passageway between nose and pharynx), nasal cavity turbinate swelling, allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyponasality, the condition of reduced nasal resonance in speech, may be linked to various anatomical factors affecting the nasal passages. The correct answer is "c. Palate and uvula." The soft palate (or velum) and uvula play crucial roles in speech and resonance. When these structures are abnormally large (hypertrophied), they can impede the proper closure of the velopharyngeal port, leading to hyponasality.
The soft palate and uvula are located at the back of the oral cavity and contribute to the separation between the oral and nasal cavities. If either of these structures is enlarged, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the velopharyngeal mechanism. This interference results in an insufficient closure of the nasal passages during speech, causing a lack of nasal resonance.
Factors such as a deviated septum, nasal cavity turbinate swelling, allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps can further contribute to hyponasality by obstructing the nasal passages. Understanding the anatomical aspects involved in hyponasality is crucial for speech-language pathologists and healthcare professionals in diagnosing and addressing speech disorders related to nasal resonance.