Neuromuscular control of upper airway patency.

To understand medical disorders such as obstructive apnea, or pulmonary aspiration, one must understand the many functions performed by the upper airway. These functions include respiration, airway protection at the face, feeding, and regulation of thoracoabdominal pressure. The neuromuscular mechanisms that perform these functions are complex. Many of the upper airway muscles can be classed as either airway constricting or airway dilating. These muscles regulate upper airway functions by regulating the shape of the upper airway.