Which aspect of speech science involves the study of the articulatory system?

The study of the articulatory system is primarily concerned with how speech sounds are produced by the movement and coordination of the articulators, which include the tongue, lips, palate, and other structures in the mouth. Articulation refers specifically to the way in which these anatomical components come together to form different speech sounds. Understanding articulation encompasses the processes of shaping sound characteristics through precise motor skills and placements within the vocal tract.

In speech science, other areas like respiration focus on energy production for speech, particularly the inhalation and exhalation processes that support voice. Phonation deals with sound production at the level of the larynx, involving the vibration of the vocal folds, which contributes to the voice's quality and pitch. Perception pertains to how speech sounds are interpreted by listeners, which includes cognitive processing and auditory discrimination. Each of these elements interacts within speech but specifically, the articulation aspect centers on the mechanics of forming speech sounds through physical movement, making it the correct answer in this context.