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Relation between upper airway volume and hyoid muscle length.
E van Lunteren1, M A Haxhiu, N S Cherniack
1Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|October 1, 1987
Summary
The geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscles shorten with increased upper airway volume, suggesting their role in airway patency. Neck position significantly impacts hyoid muscle length and their response to airway volume changes.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscles are hypothesized to enlarge the upper airway.
- An inverse relationship between upper airway volume and hyoid muscle length is predicted if this hypothesis is true.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between upper airway volume and the length of the geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscles.
- To determine the effect of neck position on hyoid muscle length and their response to airway volume changes.
Main Methods:
- Isolated, sealed cat upper airways were subjected to controlled air injection/withdrawal.
- Geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscle lengths were measured using sonomicrometry.
- The impact of different neck flexion angles on muscle length and response was assessed.
Main Results:
- Increased upper airway volume shortened both geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscles.
- Geniohyoid muscle showed greater shortening than sternohyoid with volume increases.
- Neck extension increased resting muscle lengths, while flexion shortened them, with geniohyoid shortening more.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the role of geniohyoid and sternohyoid muscles in maintaining upper airway patency.
- Neck position is a critical factor influencing hyoid muscle length and their contribution to airway dynamics.