Anatomy

Tuesday, 02 December 2008 11:49 Graham Williamson

ABSTRACT: A basic understanding of the structure and form of the essential body parts that
allow humans to communicate by language through the transmission system of speech is
enlightening. It helps us appreciate the relationship between the physical structure of the various
parts (organs and cells) and the function they perform.

Regional Approach
One means of categorizing the study of anatomy is to take a so-called regional approach. This
means dividing the subject into regions of the body, e.g.
upper limbs and back
head and neck
thorax
abdomen
pelvis
lower limbs
An alternative method is the systemic approach. This considers each system individually, e.g.
respiratory system, vascular system, nervous system. However, we will adopt a predominantly
regional approach here.
Of necessity, the anatomy critical to understanding human communication as we define it on this
website is largely restricted to the head and neck, and the thorax. Specifically, five anatomical
structures/mechanisms are considered:
Brain
The brain is divided into three parts: cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. The cerebrum is
responsible for reasoning, emotion, memory, motor movements, and speech and language skills.
The cerebellum co-ordinates motor movements and the brain stem controls automatic functions
such as breathing. [read more]
Larynx
The larynx is constructed of three main cartilages: thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and
arytenoid cartilages. The true vocal cords (vocal folds) can be abducted, allowing air to flow
freely through the glottis. They can be adducted during phonation to create voiced speech sounds.
Pitch is varied through alteration in the tension of the vocal cords. The false vocal cords do not
usually play a part in phonation. [read more]
Vocal tract
The vocal tract consists of the air passages above the larynx. There are two main cavities: the
nasal cavity and the oral cavity. They are separated by the hard palate and the soft palate. The
shape of nasal cavity cannot be altered. In contrast, the tongue is a flexible muscle that can alter
the configuration of the oral cavity. [read more]
Breathing mechanism
Humans breathe by flattening and contracting the diagram for inhalation and relaxing the
diaphragm for exhalation. Intercostal muscles assist breathing. [read more]
Ear
The ear consists of three parts: outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear directs sound
waves into the middle ear. The ossicles of the middle ear amplify the vibration of the sound
waves. The inner ear converts vibrations into electrical signals which are transmitted along the
auditory nerve to the auditory cortex of the brain. [read more]

http://www.speech-therapy-information-and-resources.com/anatomy.html