The velum is crucial for which type of sound production?

The velum, or soft palate, plays a crucial role in the production of nasal sounds. When producing these sounds, such as /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/ (as in "sing"), the velum must lower to allow airflow through the nasal cavity. This distinctively characterizes nasal sounds, as opposed to oral sounds, where the velum is raised to block airflow through the nose, directing it out of the mouth instead. Therefore, the function of the velum in regulating airflow is essential for accurately producing nasal sounds, making this answer the correct choice. Understanding the location and role of the velum enhances knowledge of how different speech sounds are articulated and the physiological processes involved in speech production.