Puheelimistö

Puheelimistö refers to the human speech apparatus, the complex system of organs responsible for producing spoken language. It encompasses the respiratory system, which provides the airflow, and the vocal tract, which modifies this airflow to create distinct sounds. The primary components of the puheelimistö include the lungs, diaphragm, trachea, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity.

The lungs and diaphragm work together to regulate breath, supplying the necessary air for speech production. This airflow then passes through the trachea, or windpipe, to the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. Within the larynx are the vocal cords, two folds of tissue that vibrate when air passes through them, generating the fundamental sound of the voice. The pitch and volume of this sound can be altered by adjusting the tension and length of the vocal cords.

Following the larynx, the sound is further shaped by the pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity. These resonating chambers amplify and modify the laryngeal sound, distinguishing vowels and consonants. The tongue, lips, teeth, and soft palate are crucial articulators, actively manipulating the airflow to produce specific speech sounds. The coordinated action of all these elements allows for the intricate and varied productions that constitute human speech.