Speech
Depends on an intricate and complex system of structures and functions working together to allow human beings to communicate.
Respiration (Breathing)
Supplies the energy for speech. Includes the lungs, bronchi, trachea, spinal column, sternum, and rib cage.
Phonation
Involves voicing and the structures and processes that create voice.
Resonation
The process by which the voice or laryngeal tone is modified by various supra laryngeal cavities and structures.
Articulation
The process of making speech sounds.
Inhalation (or inspiration)
Brings oxygen to the blood by drawing air into the lungs, where an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Chest and lungs expand - diaphragm lowers - air flows in through the nose and mouth - air goes down pharynx and between open vocal folds - air continues downward through trachea and bronchial tubes - air reaches final destination of lungs.
Exhalation (or expiration)
Helps get rid of mixed air and gases which result from respiratory metabolism.
Medulla Oblongata
Fires impulses from brainstem to the respiratory muscles when an excessive amount of carbon dioxide in the blood cells creates a need for oxygen.
Which lung is shorter, broader, and bigger?
The right lung, because the liver underneath forces it in a slightly upward position.
Bronchi
Tubes that extend from the lungs upward to the trachea. Composed of cartilaginous rings bound together by fibroelastic tissue.
Bronchioles
Repeatedly divide until they become very thin. Communicate with alveolar ducts.
Alveolar Ducts
Open into tiny air sacs in the lungs.
Trachea
A tube formed by approximately 20 rings of cartilage. Extends from the larynx.
Spinal Column
Consists of 32-33 individual vertebrae. These vertebrae are divided into five segments.
7 Cervical Vertebrae
C1-C7
12 thoracic vertebrae
T1-T12; Provide points of attachment for the ribs.
5 lumbar vertebrae
L1-L5; Large. Makes them suitable for weight-bearing functions.
5 Sacral Vertebrae
S1-S5
3-4 Coccygeal Vertebrae
Fused together and called the coccyx.
Sternum
Breastbone. Located on the superior, anterior thoracic wall.
3 Parts of the Sternum
Manubrium, body, and Xiphoid Process
Manubrium
Uppermost segment of the sternum. Provides the attachment for the clavicle and first rib.
Body (Corpus)
Long and narrow; The cartilages of ribs 2 through 7 attach to the body of the sternum.
Xiphoid Process
Small cartilaginous structure found at the bottom of the body of the sternum.
Rib Cage (Chest)
12 pairs of ribs that form a cylindrical structure. Rib cage houses and protects organs (heart and lungs)
Rib Cage Components
Sternum, Thoracic Vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs
Thoracic Muscles of Respiration
Diaphragm, abdomen, intercostal muscles
Diaphragm
Floor of chest cavity. Thick, dome-shaped muscle that separates the abdomen from the thorax. Plays a major role in breathing.
Abdomen
Houses structures such as the intestines, liver, and kidneys.
Muscles of expiration
Latissimus Dorsi, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis, Internal Oblique Abdominis, Quadratus Lumborum