Why do we snore? The anatomy of snoring

After completion of this video session, it is expected that you will be able to: Identify the anatomical structures responsible for snoring including nasal septum, ala of the nose, turbinates, nasal septum, nasal mucosa, adenoids, tonsils, genioglossus, soft palate, uvula, pharyngeal muscles Outline the muscles of the nose and the function they perform Understand the role of nasal clips in opening the ala of the nose Identify the role of deviated nasal septum in narrowing the airway passage Discuss the role of the submucosal venous plexus in nasal blockage Describe the attachment of genioglossus Explain the reason why falling backwards of genioglossus results in airway obstruction Outline the structure of the pharyngeal wall including the pharyngobasilar fascia and the three constrictor muscles. Describe the internal features of the nasopharynx and oropharynx Identify the components of Waldeyer’s ring Explain why the nasopharynx is kept patent Explain why air does not pass into the esophagus and is directed only into the larynx Explain the functional significance of presence of cartilages in the upper airway passages like the larynx, trachea and bronchi Video by Dr. Akram Jaffar, Department of Medical Neuroscience