Definitions for "Velopharyngeal closure"
is the process of closing off the nose from the mouth during speech. During this process, several structures come together, including the velum (soft palate or roof of the mouth), the lateral pharyngeal walls (or side walls of the throat) and the posterior pharyngeal wall (or the back wall of the throat).
The closing of the nasal cavity from the oral cavity which directs air used in speech through the mouth rather than the nose. It requires interaction of the muscles in the palate and the back of the throat.
dynamic process required for speech, blowing, and swallowing in which soft palate elevates and lateral pharyngeal walls move medially to meet the soft palate to separate oral and nasal cavities. When this process occurs, air is directed out of the mouth.