What anatomical area does 'supralaryngeal' refer to?

The term 'supralaryngeal' specifically refers to anatomical structures that are situated above the larynx. In the context of phonetics and anatomy, this area includes parts such as the pharynx and the oral cavity, which are essential for the articulation of speech sounds. Understanding this concept is crucial for the study of phonetics, as it helps to delineate where various speech sounds are articulated in relation to the larynx, which itself is responsible for phonation.

Knowing that 'supralaryngeal' indicates structures located above the larynx allows students to make connections between anatomy and the mechanisms of speech production. This anatomical understanding is foundational for further studies in speech sounds and their classifications.