Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, a common disease, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The cause is complex, involving many interacting factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. It is important to understand the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway, particularly what determines its stability and collapsibility.