Voice production:When air is pushed out of the lungs through the larynx and epiglottis, the vocal cords vibrate, producing a continuous tone whose pitch can be changed by varying the shape of the larynx. Therefore, we can conclude that voice production occurs in the larynx.

Consonants (which are modified by the tongue and lips), for example, are formed when air is emitted suddenly or when it is cut off firmly.

During breathing the vocal cords are held apart, but as speech commences, the cartilages of the larynx are drawn together by the action of muscles and a small opening is created.

The tension of the vibrating cords, changed by the tilting of the cartilages, alters the pitch of the spoken sound. High notes are produced by the vibration of tight vocal cords and low notes are produced by vibrating loose cords.

PharynxA tube above the larynx.Divided in two at the top:- The back of the mouth- The beginning of the

way through the nasal cavity (above the mouth, behind the nose.

Velum/Soft palate

Often in speech, the velum is raised so that air cannot escape through the nose.When the /k/ and the /g/ (velar consonants) sound is produced, the tongue is in contact with the lower side of the velum.

Hard palate

Also known as the “roof of the mouth”.The interaction between the tongue and the hard palate is essential in the formation of /t/, /d/, and /j/ sounds.

Alveolar ridge

It is located between the top front teeth and the hard palate.It’s surface is covered with little ridge.The sound produced is called “alveolar”

LipsWhen pressed together, the sound is called “bilabial” (/p/, /b/)

When brought into contact with teeth, the sound is called “labiodental” (/f/, /v/)

They can also produce rounded sounds (/u/)

Larynx

The vibration of the larynx can be detected while producing the sound /z/.

Nose and nasal cavities

Jaws

Jaws are articulators because of their movement.

Jaws don’t make contact with any other articulators.

We can find the teeth attached to the jaws.