Consonant sounds are speech sounds produced when airflow is obstructed in some way by the mouth, tongue, or throat. They are different from vowel sounds, which are produced with an open vocal tract. Consonants can be classified by their place of articulation, such as lips, teeth, or tongue, and by their manner of articulation, like stopping or fricative. In the English language, there are 21 consonant sounds represented by letters such as b, c, d, and s. Each consonant can have different sounds depending on its position in a word or the letters around it. Understanding consonant sounds is essential for clear speech and effective communication.