A study on the biomechanical modeling of human pharynx by using FEM(Finite Element Method)

Human pharynx is unique, acting as a complex interchange between the oral cavity and esophagus, and between the nasal cavity and lungs. It is actively involved in the transport of food and liquid, producing the forces that guide that bolus into the upper esophagus and away from the adjacent larynx and lungs. This study intended to develop a biomechanical model of the human pharynx, utilizing Finite Element Method(FEM). Within each model changes in cross sectional intralumenal area were calculated and compared with the area from the computer-generated FE model. Area matching allowed estimation of intraluminal pressure gradients during swallow. The estimated pharyngeal pressure gradient varies from one region to another. The estimated pharyngeal pressure gradients showed different patterns for upper four levels and lower four levels. The contraction velocity for upper four levels is much higher than lower four levels. The higher contraction velocities and pressure gradients in the upper levels are consistent with the bolus velocities required for efficient swallow.ope