Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

The most common velopharyngeal closure pattern associated with voice changes due to resonance issues is characterized by the coronal pattern, where the velum makes contact with the pharyngeal wall. This type of closure is primarily involving the movement of the soft palate (velum) and is often utilized in speakers with significant resonance disorders, particularly those experiencing hypernasality or other related vocal concerns. In this pattern, the velum elevates and moves towards the posterior pharyngeal wall, creating a seal that is essential for normal speech production. When the closure is not adequate or effective, it can lead to resonance problems, influencing the perceived quality of the voice and speech intelligibility. The coronal pattern is typically the most efficient way to achieve velopharyngeal closure, directly impacting the resonance characteristics of speech. The other patterns, while important in understanding variations in velopharyngeal function, are less typical for those experiencing significant resonance changes. For example, a circular pattern with equal wall activity encompasses contributions from both the velum and the lateral walls, which may be indicative of different clinical conditions, but it is not the most common pattern associated specifically with these types of resonance issues. Thus, the coronal closure pattern is more