Pathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanism of obstructive sleep apnea: A review of anatomical, cytoskeletal, muscular, and neurological abnormalities

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with abnormality of the upper airway, which affects about 1 billion people globally, leading to significant morbidity and mortality causing a burden on the healthcare system. The collapse of the upper airway during sleep has been the main pathogenesis of OSA. A thorough understanding of the upper airway's anatomy, muscular, cytoskeletal, and neurological properties is crucial to developing the most updated and latest treatment strategies for this condition.