Physiology is the science that deals with the function of biological systems. An anatomist, for example, could describe the bones and muscles of the human foot without considering how these elements work together in activities like bipedal locomotion. A physiologist would have to consider these same bones and muscles in terms of their functional value in locomotion and other activities. In fact, anatomists usually take account of the function of the bones, muscle, and soft tissue that they describe since the physiological or functional approach is inherently more integrated than a strictly anatomical one. The physiological method of describing the anatomy of human speech production indicates what elements have a functional value with regard to speech production and what anatomical elements are irrelevant. We thus do not have to catalogue every bone and variation in the soft tissue of the mouth, pharynx, and nose. We can focus on the elements that have a functional role in the production of speech. So instead of listing every bone, cartilage, and muscle, we will start with a broad outline of the physiology of speech and relevant anatomical structures. We will add more detail in later chapters when we consider specific aspects of the physiology of speech production.

The three physiological components of speech production

It is convenient and functionally appropriate to consider speech production in terms of three components. The larynx has come to be used as the reference point for this three-way split.