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Relationship between velopharyngeal dimensions and palatal EMG during progressive hypercapnia
S H Launois1, S Remsburg, W J Yang
1Charles A. Dana Research Institute and the Harvard-Thorndike Laboratory of Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Palatal muscle activity influences velopharyngeal dimensions during breathing. However, significant variability exists, suggesting multiple factors control upper airway patency.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Speech Science
Background:
- The velopharynx (VP) plays a crucial role in speech and breathing.
- Understanding the contribution of palatal muscles to VP dimensions is essential for diagnosing and treating related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of specific palatal muscles during the respiratory cycle.
- To correlate palatal muscle activity with dynamic changes in velopharyngeal dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) of the levator veli palatini, tensor veli palatini, and palatoglossus muscles.
- Videoendoscopy to visualize velopharyngeal dimensions (area, diameters).
- Simultaneous recording of EMG, videoendoscopy, and airflow during progressive hypercapnia in normal adults.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in velopharyngeal area and diameters were observed throughout the respiratory cycle.
- Maximum VP area occurred at end inspiration or mid-expiration; minimum area at breath onset/end.
- Substantial inter- and intra-subject variability in both VP dimensions and muscle activity was noted.
Conclusions:
- Palatal muscle activity contributes to respiratory-related velopharyngeal changes.
- The significant variability suggests that upper airway patency is regulated by a complex interplay of multiple factors, not solely by these muscles during respiration.