Understanding the Orofacial Complex: Muscle Manual

Understanding the Orofacial Complex: Muscle Manual was written to familiarize the reader with the anatomy and physiology of the orofacial musculature. Professionals who work with clients exhibiting deficits of the orofacial complex require a clear understanding of the typical muscle functions that occur in the act of swallowing and speech to more properly diagnose and treat the disorders associated. The orofacial complex consists of the muscles of the jaw, lips, tongue, soft palate, and larynx. This manual provides comprehensive illustrations of each muscle with descriptions of the anatomical maps for those muscles. The maps also discuss the origin, insertion, function of the muscle, as well as the cranial nerve innervation associated, allowing the reader to more easily comprehend the anatomy and associated physiology.

Kristie K Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM, is the current owner of The Speech and Language Connection in Houston, Texas. Her clinicial focus in orofacial myology has been associated with feeding, trauma, cranial nerve deficits, swallowing, aversion and behavioral feeding disorders, apraxia, phonological processing deficits, tongue thrusting, and associated deficits in dental occlusion, orthodontic relapse, and craniofacial abnormalities. Ms. Gatto obtained certification in the field of Orofacial Myology in 2011. Since that time, she has facilitated direct clinical relationships to promote collaboration of treatment for her patients with hospital-based teams, oral & maxillofacial surgeons, neurologists, neuromuscular dentists, otolaryngologists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and pediatricians. Ms. Gatto is renown by her colleagues for presentations promoting professional treatment and understanding of the orofacial complex.