The velum, also known as the soft palate, is a crucial part of the mouth involved in both speech and non-speech functions.
Understanding the Velum
The velum or soft palate is the soft tissue constituting the back of the roof of the mouth. It plays a vital role in separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity, particularly during activities like swallowing, blowing, sucking, and whistling.
Functions of the Velum
- Separation of Nasal and Oral Cavities: The velum elevates and retracts to prevent food and liquids from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing.
- Speech Production: It controls the airflow through the nose and mouth, influencing the production of certain sounds.
- Other Non-Speech Tasks: It facilitates activities like blowing, sucking, and whistling by creating a seal.
Velum Action
| Function | Velum Action |
|---|---|
| Swallowing | Elevates and retracts to seal off the nasal cavity. |
| Speech | Controls airflow for nasal and non-nasal sounds. |
| Blowing/Sucking/Whistling | Elevates and retracts to direct airflow through the mouth. |
