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Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Age-related changes in the hyoepiglottic ligament: functional implications based on histopathologic study
Motohiro Sawatsubashi1, Toshiro Umezaki, Kenichiro Kusano
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. motohiro@qent.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|December 18, 2009
Summary
Aging significantly reduces muscle, collagen, and elastic fibers in the hyoepiglottic ligament, impacting epiglottic function during swallowing and breathing in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Gerontology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The hyoepiglottic ligament is crucial for epiglottic function.
- Age-related changes in laryngeal structures can affect swallowing and respiration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related alterations in the hyoepiglottic ligament.
- To correlate these changes with epiglottic function in swallowing and respiration.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem laryngeal tissue samples from elderly (81-91 years) and non-elderly (31-48 years) individuals were analyzed.
- Tissue samples underwent Elastica van Gieson and hematoxylin-eosin staining.
- Histological characteristics of the hyoepiglottic ligament were compared between age groups.
Main Results:
- The hyoepiglottic ligament connects the epiglottis to lingual muscles and the hyoid bone.
- Elderly individuals showed significantly reduced numbers of muscle, collagen, and elastic fibers in the ligament compared to younger individuals.
- P-values: Muscle fibers (P < .001), Collagenous fibers (P < .01), Elastic fibers (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Age-related degeneration of the hyoepiglottic ligament is evident.
- These changes are potentially linked to increased aspiration, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and acquired laryngomalacia in the elderly.
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