Abstract
Purpose The study aimed to identify age-related changes in the hyoepiglottic ligament associated with function of the epiglottis during swallowing and respiration. Materials and Methods Normal postmortem laryngeal tissue samples were obtained at autopsy from 20 individuals with no history of laryngeal disease. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: those aged 81–91 years (elderly group, n = 11) and those aged 31–48 years (non-elderly group, n = 9). Specimens were subjected to Elastica van Gieson and hematoxylin-eosin staining, and characteristics of the hyoepiglottic ligament were compared between groups. Results The hyoepiglottic ligament extended from the epiglottis to both lingual muscles and the hyoid bone ( pars lingualis and pars hyoideus). The numbers of muscle fibers ( P < .001), collagenous fibers ( P < .01), and elastic fibers ( P < .001) were significantly decreased in the elderly group in comparison to those in the non-elderly group. Conclusion Age-related changes in the hyoepiglottic ligament appear to be associated with aspiration, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and acquired laryngomalacia in the elderly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
