Velüreg

Velüreg is a term used in Hungarian anatomy and speech-language pathology to describe the velopharyngeal space, the region behind the soft palate (lágy szájpad) that forms part of the connection between the oral and nasal cavities. The velum (soft palate) and the posterior pharyngeal wall define the velopharyngeal port, and the velüreg encompasses the space and tissues involved in this region.

Anatomically, the velüreg is bounded anteriorly by the soft palate, posteriorly by the posterior pharyngeal wall, and laterally by surrounding pharyngeal tissues. It includes mucosa-covered musculature of the soft palate, such as the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini, and the surrounding pharyngeal muscles that participate in velopharyngeal closure.

Functionally, the velüreg plays a central role in speech and swallowing. During swallowing and many speech sounds, the velum moves to close the velopharyngeal port, separating the oral and nasal cavities and preventing nasal air escape for oral sounds. Proper closure also influences resonance and nasal emission during speech.

Clinical relevance, including velopharyngeal insufficiency, arises when closure is incomplete. This can lead to hypernasal voice quality and nasal air emission, often seen in individuals with cleft palate or related conditions. Evaluation typically involves nasal endoscopy or videofluoroscopy, and management may include speech therapy and, in some cases, surgical options such as pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty.

Etymology derives from velum meaning veil and üreg meaning cavity.