Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:03
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Tongue dysmorphology in craniofacial microsomia
Elliott H Chen1, Russell R Reid, Chuma Chike-Obi
1Philadelphia, Pa.; Chicago, Ill., and Krakow, Poland From the Division of Plastic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania; the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago Medical Center; and the University Children's Hospital of the Jagiellonian University.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Tongue dysmorphology is common in craniofacial microsomia, often overlooked but linked to facial deformities. Early detection and intervention improve speech outcomes in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Craniofacial microsomia is a common craniofacial anomaly.
- Tongue dysmorphism is underreported in craniofacial microsomia.
- This review investigates tongue dysmorphology prevalence and its relation to craniofacial microsomia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of tongue dysmorphology in patients with craniofacial microsomia.
- To explore the relationship between tongue anomalies and speech development.
- To correlate tongue dysmorphology with other craniofacial deformities.
Main Methods:
- A 20-year retrospective study analyzed documented tongue anomalies and speech development.
- A 1-year prospective study assessed the true prevalence of tongue dysmorphology.
- Correlation analysis was performed between tongue anomalies and hard/soft tissue deformities.
Main Results:
- Retrospective: 4.8% prevalence of tongue dysmorphology.
- Prospective: 43.6% prevalence of tongue dysmorphology.
- Tongue dysmorphology positively correlated with craniofacial deformity severity; most cases were mild and treatable with speech therapy/surgery.
Conclusions:
- Tongue dysmorphologies in craniofacial microsomia are frequent but often missed.
- The association suggests a potential common developmental error or interdependence of growth centers.
- Addressing tongue anomalies is crucial for managing craniofacial microsomia and improving speech outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:01Tongue
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...
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...
00:49The Tongue and Taste Buds
The surface of the tongue is covered with various small bumps called papillae, which either distribute what has been ingested (filiform papillae) or contain the sensory taste (or gustatory) receptor cells (fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae). Embedded within each taste-related papilla are the taste buds—clusters of 30 to 100 gustatory receptor cells.
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...