Abstract
The structure and the neural control of the upper airway have evolved to serve four important physiologic functions: (i) respiration, (ii) deglutition, (iii) speech, and (iv) local immunity. The upper airway is collapsible to accommodate these functions. During wakefulness, upper airway collapse can be prevented by an increase in pharyngeal neuromuscular tone (1). However, this mechanism is decreased during sleep, predisposing the upper airway to obstruction (2).
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Sleep and Breathing in Children |
| Subtitle of host publication | Developmental Changes in Breathing During Sleep, Second Edition |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Pages | 419-440 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Volume | 224 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781420060836 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781420060829 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)