The Mechanism of Speech Production

Abstract

Speech is the acoustic end product of voluntary, formalized motions of the respiratory and masticatory apparatus. It is a motor behavior which must be learned. It is developed, controlled and maintained by the acoustic feedback of the hearing mechanism and by the kinesthetic feedback of the speech musculature. Information from these senses is organized and coordinated by the central nervous system and used to direct the speech function. Impairment of either control mechanism usually degrades the performance of the vocal apparatus1.