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Respiratory activities in relation to palatal muscle contraction
M Kogo1, T Kurimoto, H Koizumi
1First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Osaka University Faculty of Dentistry, Japan.
Summary
The tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles activate during respiration under low oxygen or high carbon dioxide conditions. The tensor veli palatini muscle is more sensitive to these respiratory challenges.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Respiratory System
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- The tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles are key components of the soft palate.
- Their roles in respiratory function, particularly under stress, are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the respiratory-related activities of the tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles.
- To determine the influence of hypercapnic and hypoxemic conditions on these muscle activities.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography was used to record muscle activity.
- Hypercapnia and hypoxemia were induced via physiological challenges.
- Carotid sinus perfusion with sodium cyanide (NaCN) was employed to stimulate respiratory responses.
Main Results:
- Neither muscle showed activity during quiet breathing.
- The tensor veli palatini muscle exhibited inspiratory phasic activity under hypercapnic and hypoxemic conditions.
- The levator veli palatini muscle displayed expiratory phasic activity specifically during hypoxemia (PaO2 < 40 mm Hg).
- Sodium cyanide perfusion induced these observed respiratory muscle activities, with the tensor veli palatini showing greater sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles participate in respiratory control during altered gas conditions.
- These muscles respond differentially to inspiratory and expiratory phases and varying levels of hypoxia.
- The tensor veli palatini muscle demonstrates a higher sensitivity to chemical respiratory stimuli compared to the levator veli palatini muscle.