Morphology of the soft palate and palatine tonsil of the goat (Capra hyricus).

The present study was carried out to study the morphology of the goat's soft palate and palatine tonsil by gross anatomy, morphometry, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twelve heads of normal adult (18-24 months) apparently healthy goats of both sexes were collected from local commercial slaughterhouses in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The oral cavity was dissected, and samples were collected for both light and SEM. The soft palate of the goat formed the caudal continuation of the hard palate. It was relatively short, it extended from the level of the caudal border of the last upper molar tooth to terminate caudally against the base of the epiglottis. The oral mucous membrane of the soft palate was covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The lamina propria and submucosa contained connective tissue fibers, diffuse and nodular lymphatic tissue, striated muscle fibers, and a large number of mucous and serous palatine glands. By SEM, the ventral surface had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. These openings represented the entrances to the palatine glands. The palatine tonsil was large and protruded from a fossa in the lateral wall of the oropharynx. It had 2-3 elongated irregular openings that lead to the underlying crypts. These crypts were well-developed and lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium of the tonsillar crypts directly covered lymphoid tissue and was infiltrated by lymphocytes. Tonsillar glands of pure mucous type were demonstrated. In conclusion, the study provides the basic morphological features of soft palate, as well as the palatine tonsil of the goat by gross observation, light and SEM. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system, suggesting their essential role in the immunological response against antigens that enter through the oral cavity. The current findings may be useful to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study reported the basic morphological features of soft palate and palatine tonsil of goat. The ventral surface of the soft palate had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system. The findings might help to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis.

Cadaveric Study and Micro-Computed Tomography of the Anatomy of Palatine Aponeurosis and its Link to the Soft Palate Muscles and Pharyngeal Muscles.

OBJECTIVE: There have been few studies on the anatomy of palatine aponeurosis (PA). Herein, we elucidated the relationship between the PA and soft palate muscles and pharyngeal muscles. DESIGN: Two cadaveric specimens were dissected to observe the gross anatomy of the PA. Six cadaveric specimens were processed and scanned by micro-computed tomography to determine the elaborate anatomy. Images were exported to Mimics software to reconstruct a three-dimensional model. RESULTS: The PA covered the anterior (32.1%-38.8%) of the soft palate, extending from the tensor veli palatini (TVP) and connecting to 3 muscles: palatopharyngeus (PP), uvula muscle, and superior pharyngeal constrictor (SC). The SC and PP are attached to the PA on the medial side of the pterygoid hamulus. SC muscle fibers were attached to the hamulus, forming a distinct gap between the hamulus. Some muscle fibers of the PP and uvula originated from the PA. The PA extended from the TVP to the midline and the posterior edge of the hard palate. The PA was not uniformly distributed, which was complementary to the attached muscles in thickness. CONCLUSIONS: PA, as a flexible fibrous membrane, maintains the shape of the soft palate. It extends from the TVP and covers anteriorly about one-third of the soft palate. The PA provides a platform for the soft palate muscles and pharyngeal muscles, connecting to the PP, uvula muscle, and SC. These muscles are important for palatopharyngeal closure and middle-ear function. It is necessary to minimize the damage to the PA during surgical interventions.

The Morphological Variation of the Soft Palate in Hospital Visiting Patients.

BACKGROUND: The soft palate anatomy of individuals can have a range of morphologies. Cephalometric analysis is a low-cost approach to analyze the soft palate in patients with or without developmental abnormalities. METHODS: The lateral cephalogram of the patients visiting Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine for various dental treatment purposes was evaluated. The soft palate was delineated on the radiographs by sketching the soft palate's contour along its radiolucent outline using the curve lines and connectors of Microsoft PowerPoint. The soft palate was then categorized according to the study by You M et al. Results: The different types of soft palate morphology observed in the study were rat tail (42.4%), leaf-like (40.8%), butt-like shape (8.9%), straight-line (4.7%), s-shaped (1.9%), and crooked (0.9%). The males had rat-tail (44.4%), leaf-like (41.1%), butt-like shape (8.4%), straight-line (3.9%), s-shaped (1.3%), and crooked (0.6%), whereas the females had rat-tail like (40.6%), leaf-like (40.6%), butt-like shape (9.5%), straight-line (5.6%), s-shaped (2.5%), and crooked (1.2%) types of soft palate. CONCLUSIONS: The rat-tail form of the soft palate was the most prevalent, followed by the leaf-like in both sexes. The least common type was the crooked form. This study found no evidence of sexual dimorphism.

A Preliminary Study of Anatomical Changes Following the Use of a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap During Primary Palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical impact of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal (VP) anatomy following primary palatoplasty using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DESIGN: Observational, prospective. SETTING: MRI studies were completed at 3 different facilities. All participants with BFP flap were operated on by the same surgeon. PARTICIPANTS: Five pediatric participants with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) who underwent primary palatoplasty with BFP flap placement. Comparison groups consisted of 10 participants: 5 with CP±L who did not receive the BFP flap and 5 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS: All participants underwent nonsedated MRI 2 to 5 years postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Anatomical measures of the velopharynx and LVP among the 3 participant groups. RESULTS: Median values were significantly different among groups for velar length (P = .042), effective velar length (P = .048), effective VP ratio (P = .046), LVP length (P = .021), extravelar LVP length (P = .009), and LVP origin-origin distance (P = .030). Post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the BFP and traditional repair groups for effective VP ratio (P = .040), extravelar LVP length (P = .033), and LVP length (P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support that the BFP flap creates a longer velum, with increased distance between the posterior hard palate and the LVP, and a larger effective VP ratio compared to traditional surgical techniques. Future research is needed to determine whether this procedure provides a more favorable mechanism for VP closure.

Radiological evaluation of the bone and soft tissue thicknesses of the palate for using a miniscrew-supported maxillary skeletal expander.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the palatal bone and soft tissue thicknesses using a miniscrew-supported maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) in Class III malocclusion. METHODS: The thicknesses of the palatal bone and soft tissue were measured in cone-beam computed tomography images obtained from 58 patients. All 20 points were crossing points between five levels, which were defined at 3 mm intervals relative to the line connecting the central fossae of the first molar (Level 0), and 2 mm and 4 mm lateral to the anteroposterior reference line (AP line). RESULTS: The palatal bone was significantly thicker in males than females in the anterior palate up to Level 0, while there was no significant sex-related difference in the posterior palate. There was a tendency for the thickness to decrease in the posterior direction, except in females at 2 mm lateral to the AP line. The palatal soft tissue was significantly thicker in males than females in all positions. At 2 mm lateral to the AP line, the palatal soft tissue thickness decreased in the posterior direction. A 4 mm lateral to the AP line, it initially decreased in the posterior direction, and then increasing again at Level - 6 (6 mm posterior of Level 0). As the lateral distance from the AP line increased, the palatal bone thickness decreased while the palatal soft tissue thickness increased. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide quantitative data on the palatal bone and soft tissue thicknesses for the miniscrew-supported MSE in the posterior palate.

Calculated decisions: Modified Mallampati classification.

The Modified Mallampati Classification stratifies predicted difficulty of endotracheal intubation based on anatomic features.

Three-dimensional analysis of the velopharyngeal region in patients with cleft palate and healthy individuals.

PURPOSE: This study aims to attain metric data of the velopharyngeal dimensions of healthy subjects as well as patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency using the example of cleft and lip palate (CLP) in order to determine possible differences in the volumes of both groups. METHODS: Volumes and distances of velopharyngeal areas were analyzed retrospectively using cone beam computed tomography data sets (n = 60). Group 1 included healthy patients receiving dental implants (n = 31). Group 2 was represented by patients with surgically closed cleft lip and palate (n = 29). RESULTS: Biggest differences among mean values of both groups were found for: minimum axial area (p = 0.000), airway area caudal (p = 0.000), distance between posterior nasal spine and posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) (p = 0.014), mean distance between velum and PPW (p = 0.000), length of PPW (p = 0.000) and length of anterior pharyngeal wall (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Differences in the shape and geometry of the velopharyngeal area in subjects with a regular velopharyngeal structure and function and patients with cleft palate do exist. The significant differences found here can be categorized into two groups: one reflects distances between the anterior and posterior pharynx, presenting longer distances for patients with CLP. The second significant difference regards values of length in cranio-caudal direction, which is longer in healthy subjects. With regards to these values, one could conclude, that even though total volumes of both groups did not differ in size, group 1 shows three-dimensional velopharyngeal shapes that are longer and narrower, whereas shapes of patients of group 2 tend to be wider and shorter in general.

Upper airway morphological changes in obstructive sleep apnoea: effect of age on pharyngeal anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the upper airway morphology changes associated with ageing in adult Chinese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. METHODS: A total of 124 male patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea by overnight polysomnography, who underwent upper airway computed tomography, were enrolled. The linear dimensions, cross-sectional area and volume of the upper airway region and the surrounding bony frame were measured. The association between ageing and upper airway morphology was analysed. RESULTS: Soft palate length, minimum cross-sectional area of the retroglossal region, lateral dimensions at the minimum cross-sectional area of the retropalatal and retroglossal regions, nasopharyngeal volume, and average cross-sectional area of the nasopharyngeal region were found to significantly increase with ageing in all patients, while the upper airway shape flattened with ageing. The volume of the retropalatal region increased with ageing among the patients with a body mass index of less than 24 kg/m2. The volume of parapharyngeal fat pad increased with ageing among patients with a body mass index greater than 28 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: A number of dimensional, cross-sectional and volumetric parameters of the pharynx increased with age, indicating that non-anatomical factors may play a more important role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea in aged patients.

The endoscopic endonasal eustachian tube anterolateral mobilization strategy: minimizing the cost of the extreme-medial approach.

OBJECTIVE: The ventral jugular foramen and the infrapetrous region are difficult to access through conventional lateral and posterolateral approaches. Endoscopic endonasal approaches to this region are obstructed by the eustachian tube (ET). This study presents a novel strategy for mobilizing the ET while preserving its integrity. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons with previous ET management paradigms are also presented. METHODS: Ten dry skulls were analyzed. Four ET management strategies were sequentially performed on a total of 6 sides of cadaveric head specimens. Four measurement groups were generated: in group A, the ET was intact and not mobilized; in group B, the ET was mobilized inferolaterally; in group C, the ET underwent anterolateral mobilization; and in group D, the ET was resected. ET range of mobilization, surgical exposure area, and surgical freedom were measured and compared among the groups. RESULTS: Wide exposure of the infrapetrous region and jugular foramen was achieved by removing the pterygoid process, unroofing the cartilaginous ET up to the level of the posterior aspect of the foramen ovale, and detaching the ET from the skull base and soft palate. Anterolateral mobilization of the ET facilitated significantly more retraction (a 126% increase) of the ET than inferolateral mobilization (mean ± SD: 20.8 ± 11.2 mm vs 9.2 ± 3.6 mm [p = 0.02]). Compared with group A, groups C and D had enhanced surgical exposure (142.5% [1176.9 ± 935.7 mm2] and 155.9% [1242.0 ± 1096.2 mm2], respectively, vs 485.4 ± 377.6 mm2 for group A [both p = 0.02]). Furthermore, group C had a significantly larger surgical exposure area than group B (p = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was found between the area of exposure obtained by ET removal and anterolateral mobilization. Anterolateral mobilization of the ET resulted in a 39.5% increase in surgical freedom toward the exocranial jugular foramen compared with that obtained through inferolateral mobilization of the ET (67.2° ± 20.5° vs 48.1° ± 6.7° [p = 0.047]) and a 65.4% increase compared with that afforded by an intact ET position (67.2° ± 20.5° vs 40.6° ± 14.3° [p = 0.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Anterolateral mobilization of the ET provides excellent access to the ventral jugular foramen and infrapetrous region. The surgical exposure obtained is superior to that achieved with other ET management strategies and is comparable to that obtained by ET resection.

The impact of tongue dimension on air volume in brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the dimensions and density of the tongue in brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dog breeds and to document the relative extents of the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways occupied by the tongue and palatal tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. ANIMALS: Sixteen brachycephalic dogs and 12 mesaticephalic dogs. METHODS: The volume of the tongue was measured with computed tomography in all dogs. Cross-sectional areas of tongue, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and palatal soft tissue were evaluated at two levels, the caudal aspect of the hard palate and the level of the hamulae of the pterygoid. Density of the tongue and soft palate were measured. All variables were compared between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dogs (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Absolute tongue volumes did not differ between groups, the volume of the tongue was greater in brachycephalic dogs than in mesaticephalic dogs when expressed relative to (a) body weight (median 5650, interquartile range [IQR] 4833-6522 vs median 4454, IQR 4309-4743, respectively), (b) ratio between skull length/width (70 833, IQR 62490-126 209 vs 48 064, IQR 22984-64 279, respectively), and (c) skull length (689.93, IQR 618.55-970.61 vs 460.04, IQR 288.77-561.69, respectively). The proportion of air (oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal)/soft tissue (tongue and palatal tissue) in brachycephalic dogs was decreased by approximately 60%, and the tongue was approximately 10 times denser in brachycephalic dogs than in mesaticephalic dogs. CONCLUSION: A relative macroglossia was detected in brachycephalic dogs along with reduced air volume in the upper airway. Tongues of brachycephalic dogs were denser than those of mesaticephalic dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The relative macroglossia in brachycephalic breeds may contribute to upper airway obstruction.

Reliability of lateral cephalometric radiographs in the assessment of the upper airway in children: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To test the reliability of Lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCRs) for use in the assessment of the upper airway, hyoid bone, soft palate, and tongue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 57 healthy Chinese children from a nonhospital population (mean age = 12.6 years, SD = 0.5, 28 males and 29 females) who received two consecutive LCRs in the natural head posture were retrospectively analyzed. Fifteen linear, angular, and area measurements were used to describe the airway, hyoid bone, soft palate, and tongue. The reliability between the two LCRs was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and F-test. Errors were estimated with the Dahlberg and Bland-Altman method, and intra- and inter-assessor agreements were determined. RESULTS: Measurements of upper airway and hyoid bone had excellent method reliability, intra-assessor reliability, and inter-assessor reliability (ICC > 0.8). However, the method reliability and the inter-assessor reliability for soft palate and tongue was less favorable (ICC from 0.60 to 0.96). Soft palate area and thickness were the most critical parameters. Intra-assessor reliability was greater than both method reliability and inter-assessor reliability (which were similar). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of upper airway morphology, defined as the intramural space, and of the hyoid bone position were highly reliable on LCRs of children. However, the limited reliability in the assessment of tongue and soft palate area may compromise the diagnostic application of LCRs to these structures.

Relationship between cephalometric parameters and the apnoea-hypopnoea index in OSA patients: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between cephalometric parameters and apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) controlling for the effect of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on a large sample of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the lateral cephalograms of 253 Caucasian adult OSA patients. Cephalometric analyses were performed using 14 parameters for skeletal and soft tissue morphology, including antero-posterior and vertical jaw relationships, hyoid bone position, soft palate length and thickness, airway space, and tongue length and height. A hierarchical regression was run to examine the amount of variability in AHI that cephalometric variables explained after controlling for patients' general characteristics (gender, age, and BMI). RESULTS: After controlling for gender, age, and BMI, the increase in AHI variance accounted for by cephalometric parameters was equal to 0.103. Among the cephalometric variables, only MP-H and PNS-P were statistically significant (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Given the retrospective nature of the study, it is difficult to assess whether other confounding variables not considered in the present study could have influenced the relationship between cephalometric parameters and AHI. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the existence of a relationship between OSA severity and some cephalometric parameters. Indeed soft palate length and vertical position of the hyoid bone were significant predictors of AHI in adult Caucasian OSA patients.

Growth Effects on Velopharyngeal Anatomy From Childhood to Adulthood.

Purpose The observed sexual dimorphism of velopharyngeal structures among adult populations has not been observed in the young child (4- to 9-year-old) population. The purpose of this study was to examine the age at which sexual dimorphism of velopharyngeal structures become apparent and to examine how growth trends vary between boys and girls. Method Static 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging velopharyngeal data were collected among 202 participants ranging from 4 to 21 years of age. Participants were divided into 3 groups based on age, including Group 1: 4-10 years of age, Group 2: 11-17 years of age, and Group 3: 18-21 years of age. Nine velopharyngeal measures were obtained and compared between groups. Results Significant sex effects were evident for levator length ( p = .011), origin to origin ( p = .018), and velopharyngeal ratio ( p = .036) for those in Group 2 (11-17 years of age). Sex effects became increasingly apparent with age, with 7 of 9 variables becoming significantly different between male and female participants in Group 3. Boys, in general, displayed a delayed growth peak in velopharyngeal growth compared to girls. Conclusion Results from this study demonstrate the growth of velopharyngeal anatomy with sexual dimorphism becoming apparent predominantly after 18 years of age. However, velopharyngeal variables displayed variable growth trends with some variables presenting sexual dimorphism at an earlier age compared to other velopharyngeal variables.

Differences in three-dimensional craniofacial anatomy between responders and non-responders to mandibular advancement splint treatment in obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to assess the differences in the upper airway morphology between responders and non-responders to mandibular advancement splint (MAS) treatment in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) management. The secondary aim was to assess the correlation between the minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway and the anatomical structures (i.e. mandibular external length, maxillary length, soft palate length, area of the tongue, maxillomandibular enclosure size, and anatomical balance ratio) surrounding the upper airway. The third aim was to assess the differences in the overall skeletal configuration between responders and non-responders to MAS treatment. METHODS: Data from 64 patients (23 females and 41 males) diagnosed with OSA by polysomnography (PSG) at baseline and provided with an adjustable MAS were analysed. All patients had NewTom3G cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, performed in the supine position, at baseline. After acclimatization to MAS, follow-up PSG tests were performed to assess the apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) with the MAS in situ. Responders were defined by a post-treatment AHI less than 10/hour and at least 50 per cent reduction in AHI, and non-responders by a post-treatment AHI at least 10/hour or less than 50 per cent reduction in AHI. Several upper airway and anatomical variables surrounding the upper airway based on CBCT images were measured to determine the differences between responders and non-responders to MAS. RESULTS: There were 36 responders (AHI = 24.8 ± 11.9 at baseline) and 28 non-responders (AHI = 31.2 ± 20.3 at baseline) to MAS. There were no significant differences in the upper airway morphology between responders and non-responders (P = 0.17-0.93) or in the anatomical structure surrounding the upper airway (P = 0.24-0.58). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that there are no significant differences in upper airway morphology and in anatomical structures surrounding the upper airway between responders and non-responders to MAS treatment. These findings suggest that the craniofacial anatomical structures analyzed in this study cannot explain the response to MAS treatment.

Comparação dos gestos articulatórios entre homens e mulheres na produção dos sons /r/, /l/ e /j/ / Comparison of articulatory gestures between men and women in the production of sounds /r/, /l/ and /j/

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os gestos de língua de adultos com desenvolvimento típico de fala obtidos pela avaliação ultrassonográfica e compará-los, quanto ao sexo, na produção dos fonemas /r/, /l/ e /j/. Métodos Participaram da pesquisa 30 adultos com idades entre 19 e 44 anos, sendo 15 do sexo masculino e 15 do feminino. Os gestos articulatórios foram capturados pelo ultrassom Modelo DP-6600 e analisados por meio do software AAA (Articulate Assistant Advanced). Foram selecionadas quinze palavras que envolveram os sons /r/, /l/ e /j/, em diferentes contextos vocálicos: /a/, /i/, /u/. Todas as palavras foram representadas por figuras, incluídas em uma mesma frase-veículo. As imagens dos gestos articulatórios visualizadas no ultrassom corresponderam aos frames relativos à elevação máxima da ponta da língua nas produções de /r/, /l/ e /j/. Após, os gestos de língua de homens e mulheres foram comparados, a fim de verificar diferenças relacionadas ao sexo. Resultados Nos adultos típicos pesquisados houve duplos gestos de língua. A coordenação dos gestos de /r/, /l/ e /j/, associados aos variados contextos vocálicos, revelou diferentes configurações de língua entre homens e mulheres. Nas mulheres, para /r/ e /l/, observou-se menor retração de raiz e maior elevação da ponta de língua, quando comparadas aos homens. No /j/, houve o gesto de dorso de língua de forma muito semelhante em homens e mulheres. Conclusão Nos adultos típicos, em /r/ e /l/ há dois gestos de língua simultâneos: ponta e raiz de língua. No /j/, há o gesto de dorso de língua. Na análise qualitativa das palavras, tanto para /r/, quanto para /l/, em diferentes contextos vocálicos, observa-se discreta elevação de ponta de língua e retração de raiz nas mulheres, em comparação aos homens.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the tongue gestures of adults with typical speech development obtained by ultrasound evaluation and to compare them, according to gender, in the production of phonemes /r/, /l/ and /j/. Methods Thirty adults aged 19 to 44 years old participated in the research, being 15 males and 15 females. Articulatory gestures were captured by Model DP-6600 ultrasound and analyzed using AAA (Articulate Assistant Advanced) software. Fifteen words involving the sounds /r/, /l/ and /j/ were selected in different vowel contexts: /a/, /i/, /u/. All words were represented by figures, included in the same carrier phrase. The images of the articulatory gestures visualized on the ultrasound corresponded to the frames relative to the maximum elevation of the tongue tip in the productions of /r/, /l/ and /j/. Afterwards, the tongue gestures of men and women were compared in order to verify gender-related differences. Results In the typical adults surveyed, there were double tongue gestures. The coordination of gestures of /r/, /l/ and /j/, associated with the various vowel contexts, revealed different tongue configurations between men and women. In women, for /r/ and /l/, there was lower root retraction and higher tongue tip elevation when compared to men. In the /j/, the tongue dorsum gesture was very similar in men and women. Conclusion In typical adults, in /r/ and /l/ there are two simultaneous tongue gestures: tip and root of tongue. In /j/, there is the tongue dorsum gesture. In the qualitative analysis of the words, for /r/ as well as for /l/, in different vowel contexts, there was a slight elevation of the tongue tip and root retraction in women compared to men.

[Changes of upper airway in Classâ ¡children with high mandibular plane angle before and after functional treatment by high headgear-activator].

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the changes of upper airway before and after functional correction in ClassⅡmalocclusion children with high mandibular plane angle at growth and development peak. METHODS: Cone-beam CT (CBCT) data of the upper airway were inputted into Minics 17.0 software for measurement of changes in the upper airway before and after functional treatment by high headgear-activator. The changes of upper airway before and after treatment were analyzed with SPSS22.0 software package. RESULTS: The change of the total volume of the upper airway, the volume of the velopharynx, glossopharynx, laryngopharynx; the sectional area of the tip of soft palate, roof of the epiglottis, the minimum sectional area of the oropharynx were significant (P<0.05). The upper airway morphology tended to be circular in the soft palate tip plane(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the plane of epiglottis(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High headgear-activator corrected mandibular hypoplasia in children with increased airway volume, increased ventilation, improved respiratory function to prevent occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome after adult.

Correção de fissura palatina com retalho músculo mucoso de bucinador: resultados de 6 casos após 27 anos / Correction of palatine fistulas with a musculo-mucosal buccinator flap: results of 6 cases after 27 years

Introdução: O retalho miomucoso de músculo bucinador, descrito em 1989, pode ser utilizado para corrigir fístulas palatinas, fissuras com alongamento do palato mole ou cobrir áreas cruentas após ressecções de tumores. Métodos: Trata-se da análise do resultado após 27 anos de 6 casos de pacientes operados no Hospital de Base e na Santa Casa de São José do Rio Preto, no período de 1984 a 1989, e reavaliados em 2016, nos quais foram realizados retalhos miomucosos de bucinador para correção de fissura palatina. Resultados: Dos 36 casos operados, 6 foram reavaliados após 27 anos, dos quais 5 trataram-se de correção primária e 1 de correção secundária (fístula após fechamento de fissura palatina). Todos os casos obtiveram resultados satisfatórios no crescimento maxilar, na correção da fistula palatina e na função da fala. Conclusão: Apesar de estatisticamente não significativo, o presente estudo demonstrou que o retalho miomucoso de músculo bucinador para correção e alongamento do palato é um procedimento adequado, com resultados de crescimento maxilar normal ou próximo disso e fala praticamente normal, mesmo sem adequado tratamento fonoaudiológico.

Introduction: The buccal musculo-mucosal patch, described in 1989, can be used to correct palatine fistulas and fissures with stretching of the soft palate, or to cover bloody areas after tumor resection. Methods: This is an analysis of the 27-year postoperative results for 6 patients who underwent operation at Base Hospital and Santa Casa de São José do Rio Preto between 1984 and 1989, and reassessed in 2016, when a myo-buccinator mucosa was used for cleft palate correction. Results: Of the 36 operated cases, 6 were reevaluated after 27 years, of which 5 had primary correction and 1 had a secondary correction (fistula after cleft palate closure). All the cases had satisfactory results in terms of maxillary growth, correction of the palatine fistula, and speech function. Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, the present study demonstrated that the buccal musculo-mucosal flap is an adequate procedure for correction and stretching of the palate, with normal or near-normal maxillary growth and practically normal speech even without adequate phono-audiological treatment.

Relationships between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the type of ventilation and lip posture.

INTRODUCTION: The role of obstructive tonsils in ventilatory disorders and abnormal lip posture is widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. The data reported on the probable relationship between obstructive tonsils and an existing breathing disorder or lip incompetence were subjective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the type of ventilation and lip posture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed in children aged from 6 to 12 years old. The subjects were divided into two groups (A and B) according to the obstructive or non-obstructive character of the palatal tonsils. Type of ventilation and lip posture at rest were recorded for each child. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS 20.0 software (for Windows). A Student's t-test and a Chi2 test were respectively used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables according to the obstructive character of the tonsils for each group. The level of significance is fixed at P=0.05. RESULTS: The subjects in group B with obstructive palatal tonsils were significantly more likely to oral breathing and lip incompetence than the subjects with non-obstructive tonsils (group A). CONCLUSION: The clinical examination of children with ventilatory and postural disorders with lip incompetence must be directed towards the search for associated obstructive palatal tonsils in order to plan an early etiological treatment. This would allow to avoid subsequent problems in the dentofacial structures.

Heritability of the airway structure and head posture using twin study.

Inherited traits of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may have link to the heritability of the airway anatomy. The aim of this study was to investigate heritability of the airway anatomy by comparing skeletal and soft tissue features of Korean monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ). In total, 72 participants (mean age, 41.5 ± 5.9 years; 40 males, 32 females) including 48 MZ (24 pairs) and 24 DZ (12 pairs) with same sex were participated. The craniofacial, craniovertebral, hyoideal and pharyngeal parameters were measured using lateral cephalograms. The genetic analysis was performed using Falconer's method. High heritability was detected in the hyoid position and inclination of the cervical column. The velopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions showed higher heritability compared to those of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. The body mass index (BMI) had interactions with the nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions and length of the tongue and soft palate. The mandibular growth had correlations with the nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions. The vertical skeletal relationships appeared to have interaction with the nasopharyngeal, velopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions, as well as length of the tongue and soft palate. A forwarded inclination of the cervical columns was seen in connections with BMI and the nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions. The airway structures and head postures seemed to be under strong genetic controls. The airway dimensions had associations with BMI, head postures and skeletal structures which showed high heritability. Forwarded head postures would be physiological adaptations of compromised airway adequacy by increased BMI and retrognathia.

The remarkable vocal anatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): insights into low-frequency sound production in a marsupial species.

Koalas are characterised by a highly unusual vocal anatomy, with a descended larynx and velar vocal folds, allowing them to produce calls at disproportionately low frequencies. Here we use advanced imaging techniques, histological data, classical macroscopic dissection and behavioural observations to provide the first detailed description and interpretation of male and female koala vocal anatomy. We show that both males and females have an elongated pharynx and soft palate, resulting in a permanently descended larynx. In addition, the hyoid apparatus has a human-like configuration in which paired dorsal, resilient ligaments suspend the hyoid apparatus from the skull, while the ventral parts tightly connect to the descended larynx. We also show that koalas can retract the larynx down into the thoracic inlet, facilitated by a dramatic evolutionary transformation of the ventral neck muscles. First, the usual retractors of the larynx and the hyoid have their origins deep in the thorax. Secondly, three hyoid muscles have lost their connection to the hyoid skeleton. Thirdly, the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles are greatly increased in length. Finally, the digastric, omohyoid and sternohyoid muscles, connected by a common tendinous intersection, form a guiding channel for the dynamic down-and-up movements of the ventral hyoid parts and the larynx. We suggest that these features evolved to accommodate the low resting position of the larynx and assist in its retraction during call production. We also confirm that the edges of the intra-pharyngeal ostium have specialised to form the novel, extra-laryngeal velar vocal folds, which are much larger than the true intra-laryngeal vocal folds in both sexes, but more developed and specialised for low frequency sound production in males than in females. Our findings illustrate that strong selection pressures on acoustic signalling not only lead to the specialisation of existing vocal organs but can also result in the evolution of novel vocal structures in both sexes.