palate  The roof of the mouth which separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity

passaggio (Italian)  The break between vocal registers

pharynx  The region above the larynx, below the velum, and posterior to the oral cavity

phonation  Sound generation by means of vocal fold vibrations

phonetics  The study of speech sounds

plosive  A consonant produced by creating complete blockage of airflow, followed by the buildup of air pressure, which is then suddenly released, producing a consonant sound.  They can be voiced or unvoiced.  Bilabial plosives involve both lips (b.p).  Lingual plosives involve the tongue (t,d)

polyp  A growth on the upper or lower surface of the mucous membrane lining of the vocal folds

posterior cricoarytenoid muscle  An intrinsic laryngeal muscle that is the primary abductor of the vocal folds (paired)

pressed phonation Type of phonation characterized by small airflow, high adductory force, and high sub- glottal pressure. Not an efficient form of voice production. Often associated with voice abuse, and common in patients with lesions such as nodules

primo passaggio  "The first passage"; the first register change perceived in a voice

psychogenic  Caused by psychological factors, rather than physical dysfunction. Psychogenic disorders may result in physical dysfunction or structural injury