After partial glossectomy, which aspect is unlikely to be affected?

After partial glossectomy, which aspect is unlikely to be affected?

• A. Reduced Labial Seal
• B. Propelling Liquids Through the Oral Cavity
• C. Propelling Solids Through the Oral Cavity
• D. Aspiration During the Swallow

Answer: (A)

Partial glossectomy primarily compromises tongue mobility and bulk, which disrupts how the bolus is formed and propelled posteriorly. Liquids rely on quick, precise tongue propulsion, while solids depend on tongue pressure and coordination with chewing to form a cohesive bolus. Both processes are therefore likely to be affected, and there’s an increased risk of residue and aspiration during swallow due to altered oral and pharyngeal transit. Labial seal depends on the lips and perioral muscles, not the tongue. Since the lips are typically not altered in a glossectomy, the ability to seal the lips is preserved, making reduced labial seal unlikely to be affected.

Partial glossectomy primarily compromises tongue mobility and bulk, which disrupts how the bolus is formed and propelled posteriorly. Liquids rely on quick, precise tongue propulsion, while solids depend on tongue pressure and coordination with chewing to form a cohesive bolus. Both processes are therefore likely to be affected, and there’s an increased risk of residue and aspiration during swallow due to altered oral and pharyngeal transit.

Labial seal depends on the lips and perioral muscles, not the tongue. Since the lips are typically not altered in a glossectomy, the ability to seal the lips is preserved, making reduced labial seal unlikely to be affected.