Which of the following statements accurately describes consonants?
A) Consonants are speech sounds that are produced without any restriction or closure in the vocal tract.
B) Consonants are speech sounds produced by blocking or constricting airflow in the vocal tract.
C) Consonants are vowels that include A, E, I, O, and U.
D) Consonants are sounds that are made solely by the vocal cords without any interaction with the mouth or tongue.