Publications

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.

Understanding why

Understanding the Orofacial Complex was written to facilitate greater understanding of anatomy and physiology of the orofacial complex and provide philosophy for treatment. Clear understanding of the orofacial complex increases the professionals ability to appropriately diagnose and treat disorders associated. The complex consists of the jaw, lips, tongue, soft palate, and larynx. This text provides philosophical understanding of the development and interaction of the orofacial complex from the beginning of conception.

For the past ten years, Kristie Gatto has focused her clinical skills on treating patients with issues in feeding, dysphagia, deglutition, oral sensory aversion, orofacial myology, and swallowing-related disorders, as well as articulation, phonological processing, apraxia, and early intervention.