[Hyoid bone position and tongue size and patency of upper airway structures]

Aleksandra Janicka1, Ludmiła Halczy-Kowalik

  • 1Katedra i Klinika Chirurgii Szczqkowo-Twarzowej Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej al. Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin.

Insights

Children with craniofacial changes often experience breathing issues. This study found that the hyoid bone

Area of Science:

  • Investigates the intersection of craniofacial morphology and respiratory function in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Context:

  • Upper airway patency and adequate ventilation are critical for child development.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is frequently linked to craniofacial abnormalities and upper airway respiratory disorders.

Purpose:

  • To determine the relationship between hyoid bone position and the clinical presentation of upper airway respiratory disorders.

Summary:

  • A study of 100 patients (ages 9-35) with craniofacial and dental anomalies revealed breathing disorders in 67%.
  • Analysis showed significant differences in hyoid bone position and tongue size between patients with and without breathing disorders.
  • Increased inferior and posterior displacement of the hyoid bone correlated with the severity of breathing disorders.

Impact:

  • Findings suggest hyoid bone positioning is a key indicator for upper airway obstruction severity in children and adolescents.
  • Highlights the importance of assessing hyoid bone location in the diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory disorders.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

The Hyoid Bone01:12

The Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...
Tongue01:01

Tongue

The human tongue is a fascinating and complex organ, responsible for various essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and taste. It is also subject to various conditions and diseases. In this article, we delve into the anatomy of the tongue, its roles, and some common conditions that can affect it.
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Larynx01:21

Larynx

The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II01:22

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...