Final answer:
VPI is caused by congenital anomalies like cleft palate, surgery-related damage, or neuromuscular conditions affecting throat muscle coordination, leading to speech and swallowing issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) is a disorder where there is improper closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter (the muscle that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity) during speech and swallowing. Some causes of VPI include congenital anomalies such as cleft palate, as well as damage from surgical procedures or neuromuscular diseases that affect the throat muscles' coordination. VPI can lead to speech difficulties and the misdirection of food into the nasal cavity instead of the esophagus.