ASHA Anatomy and Physiology of Communication

Question 1

Which cranial nerve provides primary motor innervation to the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

CN XII (Hypoglossal)

Answer

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) supplies motor innervation to all intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue, enabling precise articulatory movements.

Question 2

The true vocal folds attach anteriorly to the thyroid cartilage and posteriorly to which structures?

Accepted Answer

Arytenoid cartilages

Answer

The true vocal folds span from the anterior thyroid cartilage to the vocal processes of the paired arytenoid cartilages posteriorly.

Question 3

Which structure is primarily responsible for velopharyngeal closure during the production of oral consonants?

Accepted Answer

Velum (soft palate)

Answer

The velum elevates and retracts to contact the posterior pharyngeal wall, sealing the nasopharynx and preventing nasal airflow during oral speech sounds.

Question 4

The Eustachian (auditory) tube connects the middle ear space to which anatomical region?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharynx

Answer

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, allowing pressure equalization and mucociliary drainage of middle ear secretions.

Question 5

Which is the primary muscle of inhalation that powers respiratory support for speech?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Answer

The diaphragm contracts and descends during inhalation, increasing thoracic volume and lowering intrapulmonic pressure to draw air into the lungs.

(ASHA) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification Practice Test

(ASHA) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification Practice Test

ASHA Anatomy and Physiology of Communication