Velar stretch as a function of task.

This study examined velar stretch in 20 young, normal adults during the production of /alpha/,/epsilon/, and /u/, and during blowing. Velar length was measured from cephalometric x-rays in two ways: (1) along the nasal surface of the velum and (2) along the velar midline. Results show no significant differences in velar stretch between males and females. Using nasal surface measures, there was significantly greater stretch for /u/ and for blowing than for /alpha/ and /epsilon/. For midline measures, the only differences which reached statistical significance were between blowing and /alpha/ or /epsilon/, which were not different from each other. Correlations between need ratio and percentage of stretch were significant as were correlations between percentage of velar stretch (nasal surface measure) and velar height. Comparisons of the two methods of measuring velar length are presented followed by a discussion concerning the significance of the findings.