Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing, Sixth Edition

Why This Book Matters

For students entering the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, and communication sciences, mastering the complex anatomical and physiological systems underlying speech, language, and hearing is a formidable challenge. Dry textbooks, outdated diagrams, and fragmented explanations often leave learners struggling to connect structure to function. Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing, Sixth Edition directly addresses this gap by providing a cohesive, visually rich, and clinically relevant framework that transforms abstract concepts into practical knowledge.

What Is Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing, Sixth Edition? A Complete Overview

This critically acclaimed text, now in its Sixth Edition (2020), offers a comprehensive introduction to the anatomical and physiological principles essential for the study of speech, language, and hearing. Authored by J. Anthony Seikel, David G. Drumright, and Daniel J. Hudock and published by Plural Publishing, Inc., the book is renowned for its full-color anatomical illustrations, clear explanations, and clinical focus. It serves as the definitive foundation for students and a reliable reference for practicing clinicians.

The text systematically covers the respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, auditory, and nervous systems, emphasizing how each component contributes to normal communication. This edition includes updated content reflecting the latest research and clinical practices, ensuring learners stay current in a rapidly evolving field.

Who Should Read This Book?

This textbook is designed for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in courses on anatomy and physiology for speech, language, and hearing. It is also an invaluable resource for:

• Speech-language pathology graduate programs preparing for clinical practice
• Audiology students seeking a deeper understanding of the auditory system
• Practicing clinicians who need a quick reference for anatomical and physiological concepts
• Educators and instructors designing curricula for communication sciences and disorders
• Researchers in communication disorders requiring a solid anatomical foundation

What You Will Learn

Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing equips you with essential knowledge across multiple domains. Here are the core learning outcomes:

• Respiratory System: Understand the mechanics of breathing and its role in speech production, including lung volumes, pressure gradients, and the muscles of respiration.
• Phonatory System: Master the structure and function of the larynx, vocal fold vibration, and pitch regulation.
• Articulatory System: Explore the anatomy of the oral cavity, pharynx, and nasal cavity, and how they shape speech sounds.
• Auditory System: Learn the peripheral and central auditory pathways, from outer ear mechanics to cortical processing.
• Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology: Grasp the neural control of speech, language, and hearing, including cranial nerves and cortical centers.
• Clinical Applications: Apply anatomical knowledge to understand disorders such as dysarthria, aphasia, and hearing loss.
• Developmental Anatomy: See how the speech and hearing systems change from infancy to adulthood.
• Integrated System Function: Connect all systems to explain normal and disordered communication.

Why Choose This Edition

Compared to other textbooks such as Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Hearing by Zemlin or Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Language System by Schroeder, this book stands out for its unmatched visual clarity. The full-color illustrations are not just decorative—they are pedagogically designed to show relationships between structures and functions. The writing is precise yet accessible, making complex topics digestible for beginning students.

Additionally, the Sixth Edition incorporates the latest evidence, including updated neuroanatomical findings and clinical case studies. The accompanying online resources (available separately) further enhance learning through interactive diagrams and quizzes. No other text provides this combination of depth, visual appeal, and clinical relevance in a single volume.

Author & Publisher Credentials

The authors bring decades of teaching and clinical expertise. J. Anthony Seikel is a professor emeritus with extensive experience in speech-language pathology education. David G. Drumright and Daniel J. Hudock are respected clinicians and researchers in communication disorders. Their collective scholarship ensures accuracy and pedagogical effectiveness.

Plural Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher in the field of communication sciences and disorders, known for producing high-quality, peer-reviewed texts. This edition carries the full weight of the publisher’s commitment to academic excellence.

Final Assessment

Absolutely. For any student serious about mastering the foundations of speech, language, and hearing, this textbook is non-negotiable. It replaces the need for multiple supplementary resources by providing a complete, self-contained learning experience. The investment in the digital version—available for immediate download—pays dividends in exam performance and clinical confidence. The Sixth Edition is current, comprehensive, and designed to support both classroom learning and independent study.

Add Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing, Sixth Edition to Your Library

Whether you are a first-year student or a seasoned clinician, owning the Sixth Edition of Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing will deepen your understanding and elevate your practice. Add to cart now to receive instant digital access to the most trusted textbook in the field—published by Plural Publishing, Inc. and built on decades of expertise. Don’t wait; equip yourself with the definitive resource for communication sciences and disorders.