Question

When the genioglossus muscle fails to oppose the forces that tend to collapse the airway passage during inspiration, the tongue moves into the oropharyngeal area and obstructs the airway

Answer 1

The genioglossus muscle can cause airway obstruction when it fails to oppose the forces that collapse the airway passage during inspiration. This can lead to obstructive sleep apnea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genioglossus muscle is one of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue responsible for its movement. During inspiration, when the genioglossus muscle fails to oppose the forces that tend to collapse the airway passage, the tongue moves into the oropharyngeal area and obstructs the airway. This can result in a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep.