Definition: The term "articulation" refers to the joint or combination of bones, muscles, and ligaments that form a single structure. It is the mechanism through which sound travels from the mouth into the inner ear where it is processed by the brain.
There are several types of articulations in humans, including those found in our ears, nose, throat, and jaw. Some examples include:
- The lips (which make up the cheeks) have a round-shaped joint called the soft palate that connects to the anterior portion of the hard palate through an opening in the lower lip.
- The jaw has four distinct parts: the upper jaw (jawbone) containing muscles and bones that control movement, the mandible (bones at the back of the skull), the chin (muscles and bones supporting a bridge between the teeth and the nasal cavities), and the tongue (which is also connected to the soft palate through an opening in the roof of the mouth).
- The nose has three distinct parts: the cartilage covering the nostrils, the bone and muscles that support the cheeks, and the muscle that pulls on the lower jaw.
- The throat has four distinct parts: the soft tissue lining the cavity between the vocal cords and the esophagus (the muscular system supporting movement of food into the stomach), the hard tissue lining the cavity between the pharynx (where food enters the mouth) and the larynx, the bone that connects the vocal cords to the base of the trachea (which supports the breathing process), and the muscle that pulls on the soft tissue lining the throat.
These types of articulations enable us to communicate sound, including speech and singing. For example, our mouths are designed so that we can vibrate or move our lips in order to produce a tone. Similarly, the muscles in our jaw, nose, and throat are all designed to allow us to control the movement of food into the mouth.
In summary, the word "articulation" refers to the joint or combination of bones, muscles, and ligaments that form a single structure, which is responsible for the transmission of sound from the mouth into the inner ear.
articulation