Sleep Board Review Test 1

11. The most active of the inspiratory phasic pharyngeal dilator muscles is the :

a. geniohyoid

b. levator palatini

c. diaphragm

d. tensor palatini

e. genioglossus

Answer: e genioglossus

The genioglossus is the muscle of the tongue. During inspiration, the inspiratory phasic pharyngeal dilator muscles increase their activity, thus stiffening the airway and preventing airway collapse. The genioglossus is the major inspiratory phasic pharyngeal muscle dilator.

Reference:

Fogel RB, Malhotra A, and White DP. Thorax 2004;59:159-163

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