Supra-Laryngeal Vocal Tract

Definition

The supra-laryngeal vocal tract refers to the set of many structures above the larynx that are involved during speech articulation (Zsiga, 2013, p. 9). The supra-laryngeal vocal tract includes both active and passive articulators. The supra-laryngeal vocal tract consists of the following structures, which are defined below the diagram:

Beñuš, Š., 2021, p. 39
3 Lateral illustration of the tongue within the oral cavity and pharynx, modified Figure from (Logemann 2010) 
A more detailed look at the tongue from a profile perspective. Source
  • Pharynx: The pharynx is commonly referred to as the “throat.” The pharynx is the space behind the tongue and between the trachea and the mouth which allows for more movement of the tongue during articulation (Zsiga, 2013, p. 9).
  • Lower lips: The lower lips are an active articulator during speech production (they can move independently during articulation). The lower lips are in involved in bilabial and labiodental consonants and during the rounding of vowels.
  • Upper lips & upper teeth: The upper lips and upper teeth are passive articulators (they do not move independently during speech production). The upper teeth are involved during the articulation of labiodental segments. The upper lips are involved during bilabial consonant articulation and rounded vowel articulation.
  • Tongue: The tongue is an active articulator during speech production and can be divided into three main regions (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10). Each section of the tongue can be moved independently during articulation. The sections are defined as follows and a diagram of the tongue is provided:
    • Front: The tongue front is the very tip of the tongue and the tongue blade (a few cm behind the tongue). The front can be raised, lowered, and moved forwards or back (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10)
    • Body (Dorsum, centre): The tongue body is the majority of the tongue’s mass. The body is also able to move up, down, forwards, and back.
    • Back/Root: The root of the tongue is the very back of the tongue that extends down into the pharynx and epiglottis. It can be pulled forwards and backwards which can also enlarge (forwards) or constrict (backwards) the pharynx (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10).
  • Alveolar Ridge: The alveolar ridge is a passive articulator in speech production. The alveolar ridge is the section of the roof of the mouth behind your teeth, before the roof of your mouth slopes towards the hard palate (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10)
  • Post-Alveolar Ridge: The post-alveolar ridge is a passive articulator and is the section of the roof of the mouth which arches from the alveolar ridge towards the hard palate. You can feel the “slope” with your tongue.
  • Hard Palate: The hard palate is a passive articulator. This is the smooth, flat section at the highest point of the roof of the mouth.
  • Soft Palate: The soft palate is a passive articulator. This is the section of the roof of the mouth which is softer, towards the back of the throat, behind the hard palate (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10). The soft palate is also connected to the velum.
  • Uvula: The uvula is a passive articulator which is located at the very back of the velum. the uvular is the structure that hangs down in the back of the mouth (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10).
  • Pharyngeal Wall: The pharyngeal wall is an active articulator and is the back of the throat which can be seen when opening the mouth. The pharyngeal wall leads down towards the epiglottis and trachea (Zsiga, 2013, p. 11)
  • Velum: The velum is an active articulator. It is the section of the vocal tract which connects the oral tract and the nasal tract through the velar port. The velar port is regulated by the velum, and controls if air will exit through the mouth or through the nose. The the velum is raised, air will exit through the mouth. If the velum is lowered, air exists through the nose (Zsiga, 2013, p. 10-11).
  • Oral Cavity: The oral cavity is the section of the vocal tract which directs airflow out of the mouth. The velum determines if air will exit through the oral cavity or nasal cavity, as discussed in the velum section. The oral cavity includes the structures of the mouth (Zsiga, 2013, p. 11).
  • Nasal Cavity: The nasal cavity is the portion of the vocal tract which directs airflow our of the nose. This is also controlled by the velum, and includes the space behind the nose leading towards the trachea (Zsiga, 2013, p. 11).