The development of the pharyngeal space and lymphoid tissue on the posterior nasopharyngeal wall--an assessment with regard to heritability

Abstract

A study was made on 19 monozygotic and 23 dizygotic twin pairs to examine the extent to which genetic factors determine pharyngeal space variations. Heritability quotients were determined for four variables expressing soft and hard tissue pharyngeal space. Findings obtained indicate that genetic factors have a considerable influence on the size of pharyngeal space, the thickness of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall and the nasopharyngeal airway.