The Amazing Human Vocal Apparatus
How do humans produce speech sounds?
The human vocal apparatus is an incredibly complex and efficient machine. The production of speech sounds begins with the diaphragm, a large, flat muscle located at the bottom of the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and forces air into the lungs. The air then passes through the larynx, or voice box, which contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two thin bands of tissue that vibrate when air passes through them. The pitch of the resulting sound is determined by the tension of the vocal cords.
The sound of the vibrating vocal cords is then amplified by the resonating cavities of the head and mouth. The shape of the mouth cavity plays a significant role in the production of speech sounds. For example, the placement of the tongue, teeth, and lips all contribute to the creation of different vowel sounds. The hard and soft palate, along with the tongue, also help to create different consonant sounds.