Palatoglossus Function in Normal Speech Production—Electromyographic Implications

Abstract

Fine-wire-inserted electrodes were placed in the right and left palatoglossus muscles of 14 subjects. Two to four simultaneous placements were accomplished for each subject. Electromyographic signals were recorded while each subject produced a speech sample designed to consider palatal and lingual movements. The data strongly suggest that, while palatoglossus function for the nonspeech act of swallowing is highly consistent within and between speakers, its specific function in speech production is less consistent. !n some subjects, the palatoglossus appears to function to actively lower the palate for nasals and at the end of utterances, while for other subjects it does not. In some subjects activity appeared related either to tongue movements or to stretch reflex. Finally, within any one subject, function was often variable. The data are discussed primarily with regard to palatoglossus function, although other aspects, i.e., its variability, which will be discussed in detail in subsequent papers, are also mentioned. [Research supported by NIDR, PHS grants.]