SLPA Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing 2

Question 1

What is the correct sequence of the three ossicles of the middle ear, from the tympanic membrane inward?

Accepted Answer

Malleus, incus, stapes

Answer

Sound vibrations travel from the tympanic membrane to the malleus, then the incus, then the stapes, which transmits vibration to the oval window of the cochlea.

Question 2

Which muscle is considered the primary muscle of respiration and provides air pressure support for speech?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Answer

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration, contracting to increase lung volume and generating the air pressure needed to drive speech.

Question 3

The cochlea, responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals, is located in which part of the ear?

Accepted Answer

Inner ear

Answer

The cochlea is a fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells (organ of Corti) which transduce mechanical vibrations into electrical impulses.

Question 4

Velopharyngeal closure during oral speech production prevents which outcome?

Accepted Answer

Nasal air escape causing hypernasality

Answer

Velopharyngeal closure seals the nasopharynx from the oropharynx, preventing air from escaping through the nose and causing hypernasality during oral sound production.

Question 5

The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) carries which types of sensory information to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Auditory and vestibular (balance) information

Answer

CN VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve, transmits both auditory signals from the cochlea and balance/spatial orientation information from the vestibular system.

(SLPA) Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practice Test

(SLPA) Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practice Test

SLPA Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing 2