velofaryngial

Velopharyngeal (also spelled velofaryngeal or velo-facial) refers to a broad concept in the fields of anatomy, speech, and hearing. Specifically, it relates to the velopharyngeal sphincter, a muscular structure that helps regulate the passage of air during speech, swallowing, and breathing.

The velopharyngeal sphincter, located in the throat, connects the soft palate to the sides of the nasopharynx. During normal speech and swallowing, this sphincter opens to allow air to pass through the mouth and closed to prevent air from entering the nasal cavity. When the sphincter fails to function properly, various speech and communication disorders can result, often requiring medical intervention to address.

Problems related to velopharyngeal function are common among patients undergoing certain types of surgery, such as cleft palate repair, as well as among individuals with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and apraxia of speech. These types of issues can lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency or dysfunction, resulting in hypernasal speech, difficulty articulating certain sounds, and in some cases, complications with swallowing.

Speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists often collaborate to diagnose and treat velopharyngeal disorders using a variety of techniques. These methods may include speech therapy, prosthetic devices, or surgical interventions. For individuals with velopharyngeal insufficiency or dysfunction, treatment options are typically customized to meet the unique needs of each patient, with the goal of restoring effective communication and optimal anatomical function.