Glossary of Terms

• Adenoid – single midline lymph gland above the soft palate at the very back of the nose.
• Apnea – absence of breathing.
• BMI – body mass index, a height and weight adjusted quotient used for assessing obesity.
• Epiglottis – soft tissue flap covering the vocal cords at the base of the tongue.
• Hypopnea – decreased breathing with at least 50% reduction in air flow.
• Larynx – “voice box” consisting of laryngeal cartilage or “Adam's apple” and the underlying vocal cords.
• LSAT – lowest oxygen saturation, normal saturation at least 95%.
• Mandible – lower jaw bone.
• Maxilla – upper jaw bone.
• Nasal Septum – the internal midline partition dividing the nose into right and left nasal chambers.
• RDI – respiratory disturbance index, a measure of OSA severity that averages the number of apnea and hypopnea events in a given hour. 20-40 mild, 40-60 moderate, >60 events per hour, severe.
• Retrognathia – small lower jaw and chin that predispose to airway blockage at the tongue base.
• Sleep architecture – characteristic EEG pattern of the frequency and duration of the different stages of sleep.
• Soft palate – movable part of roof of mouth.
• Turbinates – paired ridges in both nasal cavities that can get swollen in response to allergy.
• Tonsils – paired mounds of lymph glands on each side of the throat.
• Uvula – small midline dangling part of the soft palate.
• CPAP – Contentious Positive Airway Pressure.

The material on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat sleep apnea or any other medical problem. If you feel you may have the disorder, please consult your physician.