title: Simulation of muscle and adipose tissue deformation in the passive human pharynx.
abstract: Quantifying the contribution of passive mechanical deformation in the human pharynx to upper airway collapse is fundamental to understanding the competing biomechanical processes that maintain airway patency. This study uses finite element analysis to examine deformation in the passive human pharynx using an intricate 3D anatomical model based on computed tomography scan images. Linear elastic properties are assigned to bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, and membrane structures based on a survey of values reported in the literature. Velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cross-sectional area versus airway pressure slopes are determined as functions of Young's moduli of muscle and adipose tissue. In vivo pharyngeal mechanics for small deformations near atmospheric pressure are matched by altering Young's moduli of muscle and adipose tissue. The results indicate that Young's moduli ranging from 0.33 to 14 kPa for muscle and adipose tissue matched the in vivo range of area versus pressure slopes. The developed anatomical model and determined Young's moduli range are expected to be useful as a starting point for more complex simulations of human upper airway collapse and obstructive sleep apnea therapy.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G8 , Canada.
authors.forename: Nicholas B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Carrigy
authors.affiliation: a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G8 , Canada.
authors.forename: Jason P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.affiliation: a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G8 , Canada.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: b Zephyr Sleep Technologies Inc. , Calgary , Alberta T2H 2J6 , Canada.|c Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada.
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Remmers
authors.affiliation: b Zephyr Sleep Technologies Inc. , Calgary , Alberta T2H 2J6 , Canada.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zareian
authors.affiliation: b Zephyr Sleep Technologies Inc. , Calgary , Alberta T2H 2J6 , Canada.|d Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4Z6 , Canada.
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Topor
authors.affiliation: b Zephyr Sleep Technologies Inc. , Calgary , Alberta T2H 2J6 , Canada.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grosse
authors.affiliation: e Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2B7 , Canada.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noga
authors.affiliation: a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G8 , Canada.
authors.forename: Warren H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Finlay
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Young's modulus; elastic modulus; finite element analysis; human upper airway collapse; obstructive sleep apnea; passive static pharynx