Emergence of oropharyngeal, laryngeal and swallowing activity in the developing fetal upper aerodigestive tract: an ultrasound evaluation

• Published in: Early human development 2003-02, Vol.71 (1), p.61-87
• Main Authors: Miller, Jeri L, Sonies, Barbara C, Macedonia, Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Deglutition - physiology; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal development; Fetal respiration; Fetal swallowing; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gestational Age; Humans; Larynx - diagnostic imaging; Larynx - embryology; Larynx - physiology; Maternal Age; Mouth - diagnostic imaging; Mouth - embryology; Organogenesis. Fetal development; Organogenesis. Physiological fonctions; Oropharynx - diagnostic imaging; Oropharynx - embryology; Oropharynx - physiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, High-Risk - physiology; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods; Upper aerodigestive growth
• ISSN: 0378-3782; 1872-6232
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-3782(02)00110-X

The developing fetal upper aerodigestive system provides the structural support for respiratory and ingestive functions necessary to sustain life at birth. This study investigated prenatal development of upper aerodigestive anatomy and the association of emerging functions as predictors of postnatal feeding skills. Biometric measures of oral, lingual, pharyngeal and laryngeal structures were obtained in fetuses 15–38 weeks gestational age using a four-plane sonographic technique. Accompanying ingestive behaviors were tallied across development. The data from 62 healthy controls were compared to seven cases at risk for postnatal feeding and swallowing dysfunction (Type II Arnold Chiari Malformation, trisomy 18, polyhydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, Brachmann–de Lange Syndrome). Significant ( p