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The cricopharyngeus in the neonate
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|September 1, 1980
Summary
The cricopharyngeus muscle in infants is larger than in adults but may not fully explain sphincter function. Further research is needed on its role in airway protection and respiration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric anatomy
- Gastrointestinal physiology
- Laryngology
Background:
- The cricopharyngeus muscle's anatomy and function in neonates and infants are not well-defined.
- Laryngopharyngeal structures in infants are proportionally larger than in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cricopharyngeus muscle's size and contribution to upper esophageal sphincter function in infants.
- To highlight the need for further study on the cricopharyngeus muscle's role in infant physiology.
Main Methods:
- Comparative anatomical analysis of infant and adult cricopharyngeus muscles.
- Review of existing literature on infant upper esophageal sphincter function.
Main Results:
- Infant cricopharyngeus muscles are relatively larger than adult counterparts but not proportionally to overall sphincter function length.
- Significant size variation exists among infant cricopharyngeus muscles, suggesting incomplete contribution to upper esophageal sphincter function.
Conclusions:
- The cricopharyngeus muscle's contribution to infant upper esophageal sphincter function is likely incomplete due to size variations.
- The relationship between the cricopharyngeus muscle and infant airway protection, regurgitation, and respiration requires more extensive investigation.
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