(Left) A physical examination is used by speech pathologists to examine the anatomical structures and the functions of these structures as they are related to speech aerodynamics and neuromotor control.
The ability to discriminate between the normal variations that individuals have
and abnormality comes only with practice and experience combined with a good knowledge base. The purpose of this lab is for students to learn to position the patient for an examination and become familiar with the techniques of clinical palpation of structures.

 

Lab: Speech and Hearing Science


Before lab, students
wash their hands.

 





(Right) Students use a neurological hammer to test the patellar reflexes just like a doctor would do in any routine health exam. Rosemarie lightly but quickly taps the patellar tendon just below the kneecap using a neurological hammer.

 

 

 

(Left) Deborah is studying the structures of the larynx. In order for her to identify the structures on her lab partner, she must first be familiar with the model. In the lab, there are several different models to work with. There is even a real larynx that has been plasticized which students can use to see how the larynx actually looks in a human being.

 



(Right) Teaching by example: Professor Peggy Goetz first shows Nick how to use an indirect laryngoscope. Peggy, with her head mirror and incandescent lamp positioned and ready, instructs Rachel to sit with her chin slightly forward and elevated. As Rachel protrudes her tongue, Peggy can angle a mirror back into the pharynx to view the vocal folds and glottis.


Then Nick follows the example to see exactly
what he has been studying in class.

Back to top