Throat Anatomy

[PaulaO2]

I visited an allergist today and in the office was a poster of the respiratory system. It was a really cool poster and presented in such a way that several questions and curiosities I had were answered. Yeah, it was that cool.

Anyway, one thing that really jumped out at me was how crowded the back of the throat is. The part that we hoseheads have to be so concerned about. Since it was a really good anatomical drawing and not some etch-a-sketch, it filled in some blanks I had. And I took a pic of it with my phone so I could share it with y'all.

From the Nasopharnyx to the Epiglottis and including the tongue and all it's stuffing, that is all material that can fall and block the airway. Then there's the muscles themselves, which were not shown. Those muscles surround all that relax as we relax. Then there is fat. Skin. Neck and throat muscles not directly involved but still adding weight and still adding to the problem.

And yet that xPAP machine still does its job. I think I'll give mine a pat and a dusting. Maybe a sticker.

[SuperSleeper]

A lot of stuff in there for sure. Now you know why ENTs get the big bucks.

[PaulaO2]

That was another thought I had, yes. The poster had a bit with all the sinus cavities, too. Holy cow, now I know why my face hurts so much when I have a cold or certain storm systems come through!

[WakeUpTime]

That was another thought I had, yes. The poster had a bit with all the sinus cavities, too. Holy cow, now I know why my face hurts so much when I have a cold or certain storm systems come through!

Wow, that's a diagram. Txs for sharing. That's one to permanently store for ongoing reference.

I have wondered something for awhile. I'm still struggling with the anatomy of it all. I find it interesting how the implant surgery that forces one's tongue outward during the night upon apneas is more talked about as one additional solution. Would it not be possible to insert some customizable insert into the back of one's throat each night to keep one's airway forced open at night? Something like a silicone brace perhaps, or perhaps it's discomfort would make it impossible.

[AlanE]

I imagine most people would have a gag reflex to that and have issues swallowing saliva.

Edit: and mucas and drainage from eustachian tube.

[OpalRose]

I gag just thinking about it!

Thanks for the diagram Paula.

[GrammaBear]

Thanks Paula for the excellent picture you shared with us. I've been seeing a ENT doctor for many years, mostly because of my ears and trouble I have with hearing. It is exciting to see a basic diagram of why my sinus cavity hurts when it is allergy season or when I have a cold. I wish many more doctors would have such a good picture of our throat anatomy. I might give my cpap a good dusting this morning too, the machine deserves it and rarely complains about working so hard to keep me breathing comfortably.

[PaulaO2]

That entire poster was awesomesauce. I was going to take more of it but the nurse came in as I was looking for the next correct angle.

The problem with a stiffener in the back is that is muscle, not just tissue. We use it to swallow. They stiffen up the soft palate, chop away the dangly bit from it, and do something with the tongue. They also remove any "excess" tissue from the tonsil/adenoid areas, which aren't even pointed out in this image.