In flaccid dysarthria, mild lingual weakness is often more noticeable in which type of sounds?

In flaccid dysarthria, mild lingual weakness can significantly impact the production of sounds that require precise movement and placement of the tongue. Anterior lingual consonants, which include sounds like /t/, /d/, /l/, and /n/, rely heavily on the tongue's ability to elevate, retract, and make contact with the alveolar ridge or the hard palate. When there is weakness in the tongue muscles, it becomes challenging to achieve the necessary movements for accurate production of these sounds, making the dysarthria more noticeable.

This contrasts with velar sounds, like /k/ and /g/, which involve the back of the tongue making contact with the soft palate, and might not be as impacted by mild anterior lingual weakness. Lingual fricatives, such as /s/ and /z/, also demand precise tongue positioning, but the anterior sounds are generally more indicative of the specific weakness associated with this type of dysarthria. Vowel sounds, while important, do not experience the same level of articulatory precision required as consonants do, since they are primarily shaped by the vocal tract's configuration rather than precise tongue movements. Thus, the anterior lingual consonants stand out when considering the effects of mild