Developmental horizons in the 2–4 month old infant aerodigestive tract

Abstract

The human aerodigestive tract (ADT) is the crossroads of breathing, swallowing, olfaction, pressure control, aeration and vocal abilities. While coordination is essential for normal function, little is known regarding developmental changes or horizons during infancy. Early infancy is a period of high incidence of ADT diseases and symptoms. Detailed data on normal age‐range development is essential for charting crucial periods for focus in prevention and treatment. Stage 1 of this study compiled a multi‐field mega‐database in order to highlight “peak incidence” timings of change. Results indicate changes in many different areas of investigation involving gross ADT anatomy, vocal fold histology, laryngeal chemoreflexes, autonomic control of heart rate and blood pressure, vision accommodation, formant frequency acoustics, audio pattern recognition, hearing, limb control and clinical reportage of SIDS all meet at a nexus of 2 to 4 post‐natal months. This suggests a critical period identifying both change in the region and co‐temporaneous occurrence of diseases and clinicopathologies. Establishing ADT developmental horizons in infants will aid in prevention and treatment during this critical period.Grant Funding Source: Mount Sinai Summer Research Fellowship