Motor Control of the Upper Airway Muscle Genioglossus

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate a recent proposal about the motor control of the upper airway muscle Genioglossus. The upper airway muscles, the most complex in the human body, are critical for breathing and speaking, but are not well understood. Genioglossus draws the base of the tongue forward to maintain airway patency. This project will study genioglossus during wakefulness and sleep in normal healthy individuals. It is anticipated that the project will suggest improved avenues for treatment of sleep related respiratory disorders.