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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

Published on: December 1, 2023

Types and causes of velopharyngeal dysfunction.

¹Division of Speech Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. ann.kummer@cchmc.org

Seminars in Speech and Language

|September 28, 2011

Summary

Understanding velopharyngeal valve function is key to speech production. Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) occurs when this valve doesn't close properly, impacting speech clarity.

Area of Science:

Speech-language pathology
Anatomy and physiology

Background:

The velopharyngeal valve is crucial for producing oral speech sounds.
Normal velopharyngeal function relies on intact anatomy, physiology, and learned articulation patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

To explain the components of normal velopharyngeal function.
To detail the types and causes of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

Main Methods:

Review of anatomical and physiological principles of velopharyngeal function.
Categorization of velopharyngeal dysfunction based on underlying causes (insufficiency, incompetence, mislearning).

Main Results:

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) results from inconsistent or incomplete closure of the velopharyngeal valve.

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Causes of VPD include anatomical abnormalities, neurophysiological issues, and articulation errors.

Conclusions:

Understanding the etiology of VPD is essential for effective treatment planning.
Prognosis for velopharyngeal dysfunction varies depending on the specific cause and timely intervention.