COM Speech & Swallowing Disorders Flashcards

Which swallowing phase involves the coordinated action of the tongue propelling the bolus toward the pharynx?

Answer: Oral transit phase

The oral transit phase is when the tongue propels the bolus posteriorly toward the pharynx.

A patient with an open-mouth resting posture and low tongue position is most at risk for which speech disorder?

Answer: Frontal lisp

A low, forward tongue rest posture commonly produces a frontal lisp due to tongue protrusion on sibilant sounds.

What term describes difficulty swallowing that orofacial myologists commonly address through therapy?

Answer: Dysphagia

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is a key concern in orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Which muscle is primarily responsible for tongue tip elevation during the production of alveolar consonants?

Answer: Superior longitudinal muscle

The superior longitudinal muscle shortens and elevates the tongue tip, critical for alveolar consonant production.

Nasal breathing at rest is preferred over mouth breathing primarily because it:

Answer: Filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air

The nasal passages filter particulates, warm, and humidify air before it reaches the lungs, which mouth breathing does not do.

Which orofacial structure acts as the primary valve separating the oral and nasal cavities during swallowing?

Answer: Soft palate (velum)

The soft palate elevates during swallowing to create velopharyngeal closure, preventing nasal regurgitation.