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Related Experiment Videos

Epiglottic movements during breathing in humans

T C Amis1, N O'Neill, E D Somma

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Westmead Hospital, and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. terencea@westgate.wh.usyd.edu.au

The Journal of Physiology
|September 8, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Increased upper airway resistance during nasal breathing causes the epiglottic tip (ET) to move cranially. Epiglottic movements are linked to the hyoid bone and larynx, suggesting breathing resistance affects airway dynamics.

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Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Biomechanics of Swallowing
  • Anatomy of the Upper Airway

Background:

  • The epiglottis plays a crucial role in airway protection during breathing and swallowing.
  • Understanding epiglottic movement dynamics is essential for diagnosing and managing airway disorders.
  • Upper airway resistance can influence the biomechanics of breathing and phonation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify antero-posterior (A-P) and cranio-caudal (C-C) displacements of the epiglottic tip (ET), corniculate cartilage, and hyoid bone.
  • To investigate the effects of breathing through a nasal mask or mouthpiece with and without a fixed resistive load (RL) on these structures.
  • To determine the relationship between epiglottic movements and upper airway resistance.

Main Methods:

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  • X-ray fluoroscopy was used to measure A-P and C-C displacements in seven healthy adult subjects.
  • Measurements were taken during breathing via nasal mask or mouthpiece, both with (RL) and without (UB) a resistive load.
  • Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was employed to assess the significance of observed movements.

    • Main Results:

    • No significant A-P epiglottic tip movements were observed during unresisted breathing (UB) via mouth or nose.
    • During nasal breathing with a resistive load (RL), the epiglottic tip moved cranially by 2.6 ± 1.3 mm at peak expiratory flow (P < 0.05).
    • C-C movements of the epiglottic tip strongly correlated with those of the corniculate cartilage and hyoid bone, and these structures were positioned more caudally during oral UB.

    Conclusions:

    • Epiglottic movements during breathing are not independent of laryngeal and hyoid bone movements.
    • The position of the epiglottis appears to be related to the level of upper airway resistance.
    • Increased upper airway resistance, particularly during nasal breathing, can induce significant cranial displacement of the epiglottic tip.