What is the primary function of the oral cavity in speech production?

The primary function of the oral cavity in speech production is articulation of sounds. This involves the movement and coordination of various structures within the oral cavity, including the tongue, lips, teeth, and alveolar ridge, to produce distinct speech sounds. Articulation is crucial as it allows for the manipulation of airflow and the shaping of sound waves, resulting in recognizable phonemes that form words and sentences.

While breathing is necessary during speech, it is not the oral cavity's primary role in sound production; rather, it serves as a supportive function. Similarly, pitch regulation is mainly influenced by the vocal folds in the larynx and is not primarily a function of the oral cavity. The oral cavity does play a role in resonance, but resonance is largely affected by the nasal cavity and pharynx as well. Therefore, articulation stands out as the essential function of the oral cavity in the context of speech.