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Tongue movements in feeding and speech
Karen M Hiiemae1, Jeffrey B Palmer
1Institute for Sensory Research, Department of Bioengineering and Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 15244-5290, USA. karen_hiiemae@isr.syr.edu
Summary
The hyoid bone and suprahyoid muscles regulate tongue position, influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles. Feeding behaviors may provide the foundational shapes for speech articulation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Speech Science
Background:
- Tongue position is regulated by the hyoid bone and suprahyoid muscles, affecting the floor of the mouth.
- Tongue shape is controlled by extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, with intrinsic muscles forming a laminated segmental system.
- The jaw-hyoid-tongue complex forms a kinetic chain crucial for feeding and speech.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the anatomical basis of tongue movement and shape control.
- To integrate findings from feeding and speech research on tongue morphology.
- To develop functional models of the tongue based on new anatomical insights.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of intrinsic tongue muscle structure as a laminated segmental system.
- Application of finite element modeling for functional tongue models.
- Utilizing various imaging techniques (cinefluorography, ultrasound, etc.) to study tongue surface dynamics in speech and feeding.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic tongue muscles are organized in a layered segmental system with specific innervation.
- Functional models are being developed based on these anatomical findings.
- Observed tongue shapes in speech are often seen in feeding behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The structure of intrinsic tongue muscles provides a basis for understanding tongue movement control.
- Feeding behaviors appear to utilize a range of tongue shapes that also serve as the basis for speech.
- A unified understanding of the orofacial complex in feeding and speech is emerging.