Читать книгу Dental Management of Sleep Disorders - Ronald Attanasio - Страница 58

The understanding and focus is related to the pathophysiology of SRBD that begins with an understanding of the anatomy of the airway most often implicated in the onset and perpetuation of these conditions. The anatomy of the airway here focuses mainly on the upper airway, primarily the musculature that directly controls airway function, which has been broken down by anatomic location [7]. These same muscles are also involved in the function of speech and eating, hence breathing while awake is likely impacted by these functions but not during sleep and this then increases the likelihood for the SRBD.

The airway may be divided into three regions: the retropalatal area (nasopharynx), the retroglossal area (oropharynx), and the hypopharynx, also known as the laryngopharynx [8]. The oropharynx is at the level of the second and third cervical vertebrae (C‐2 to C‐3). The hypopharynx is at the level of C‐4 to C‐6, is a continuation of the oropharynx demarcated by the epiglottis, and starts at the level of the hyoid bone. In these three regions there are structures that need to be considered that have an impact on the airway as well as breathing (Figure 3.2).