What is the primary function of the articulatory system?

The primary function of the articulatory system is to manipulate airflow for speech production. This system includes various structures such as the tongue, lips, teeth, and palate that work together to shape the sounds produced by the vocal folds into distinct speech sounds or phonemes. By adjusting the position and movement of these articulators, a speaker can create different sounds that form words and sentences in spoken language.

This manipulation of airflow is essential for producing a range of speech sounds, including vowels and consonants, and is crucial for clear and intelligible speech. The articulatory system orchestrates how the airflow is modified and constricted at various points in the vocal tract, allowing for the diverse array of sounds used in human language.