title: Three-dimensional analysis of the airway with cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, using a cone-beam computed tomography system, we evaluated the airways of 30 adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  The shapes of the 3-dimensional volume of the airway were analyzed and compared among the subjects by using surface superimposition software techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The airway had the greatest variability in the hypopharynx, in the region below the epiglottis, and above the vocal folds. Moderate variation was apparent at the nares, behind the soft palate, and at the base of the tongue. Conservation of form was seen at the central portion of the nasal airway surrounding the inferior turbinate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The potential for comparing the shape of the airway among subjects is possible.
authors: Division of Orthodontics, Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California at San Francisco, CA 94143-0438, USA.
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Stratemann
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Huang
authors: Koutaro
authors: K
authors: Maki
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Hatcher
authors: Arthur J
authors: AJ
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009666:Nose / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012984:Software; D014059:Tongue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014420:Turbinates / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult