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Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea.

Richard L Horner1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. richard.horner@utoronto.ca

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention
|September 12, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Sleep alters pharyngeal muscle tone, narrowing the airway and causing hypopneas. This review explores the physiology and pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea and related breathing events.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Pharyngeal muscles maintain an open upper airway for breathing.
  • Sleep, particularly REM sleep, reduces pharyngeal muscle tone and reflex responses.
  • Anatomically narrow airways are susceptible to collapse during sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiology and pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypopneas, and snoring.
  • To discuss upper airway anatomy, collapsibility, and narrowing sites.
  • To examine neuromuscular control and reflex mechanisms during wakefulness and sleep.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of upper airway physiology and pathophysiology during sleep.
  • Analysis of anatomical factors influencing airway collapsibility.
  • Discussion of neuromuscular control and sleep-related reflex alterations.

Main Results:

  • Sleep-induced changes in pharyngeal muscle tone and reflexes lead to airway narrowing.
  • Individuals with narrow airways are predisposed to hypopneas and OSA.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing sleep-disordered breathing.

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder with significant consequences.
  • Upper airway anatomy and neuromuscular control are critical in OSA pathogenesis.
  • Targeting these mechanisms may inform treatment strategies for sleep-related breathing disorders.