Where does snoring come from?
WARNING!!
VIDEO SHOWS SURGICAL PROCEDURES.
DO NOT WATCH IF YOU JUST ATE LUNCH.
JUST READ THE TEXT INSTEAD.
There are three main areas that can produce snoring noise in humans.
Almost all snoring comes from the orpharynx, which is the gap at the back of your mouth, bounded by the base of the tongue, the soft palate (including the uvula) and the walls of the pharynx. Snoring occurs here when muscles relax and the oropharynx becomes too narrow for easy airflow.
In rare cases, snoring noise can also be generated around the turbinates in the nasal cavity, and at the aretynoids, just above the vocal cords.
The video shows these three main areas where snoring noises can be generated.
- Oropharynx (Uvula at 1:10, base of tongue at 1:52)
- Vocal cords (at 2:39)
- Turbinates (at 1:01)
Note that the endoscope image is "upside down" from what you may be expecting - the uvula is at the bottom edge of the screen. The uvula is not in its customary "dangling" position as the patient is lying on his / her back.
For some LESS disturbing images and further information please click through...