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Question: 1 / 400

Which muscle is most likely to contract when producing the vowel /u/ as in "boot"?

orbicularis oris

The orbicularis oris muscle is primarily responsible for the movement of the lips, which is crucial when producing the vowel /u/ as in "boot." This vowel sound requires the lips to be rounded and protruded, a specific action that the orbicularis oris facilitates. This muscle encircles the mouth and allows for the closing and tightening of the lips during speech.

The levator labii superioris, while involved in elevating the upper lip, is not the primary muscle used for lip rounding or protrusion during the production of /u/. The zygomatic major is more associated with smiling and elevating the corners of the mouth, which does not play a significant role in producing rounded vowel sounds. The risorius is involved in pulling the lips laterally, again not suitable for the production of a rounded vowel like /u/. Thus, the orbicularis oris is the muscle that effectively supports the articulation of this vowel by enabling the necessary lip configuration.

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levator labii superioris

zygomatic major

risorius

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