Anatomy of Swallowing Functions

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Questions and Answers

What role does the glottis play in swallowing?

It relaxes to permit airflow to the lungs.

It closes to prevent aspiration. (correct)

It assists in producing saliva.

It opens to allow food to enter the trachea.

What is the function of the esophageal sphincter in swallowing?

It allows food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. (correct)

It closes to prevent backflow of food into the pharynx.

It prevents food from entering the trachea.

It helps produce saliva for digestion.

Which statement correctly describes the action of the salivary glands during swallowing?

They cover the glottis to block the airway.

They aid in breaking down food mechanically.

They decrease saliva production to eliminate choking risks.

They increase saliva production to enhance taste. (correct)

Why is it important for the glottis to close during swallowing?

To prevent aspiration from occurring. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the upper esophageal sphincter during swallowing?

It relaxes to permit food to enter the esophagus. Signup and view all the answers

What role does myosin light-chain phosphorylation play in muscle contraction?

It is essential for muscle contraction activity. Signup and view all the answers

How is swallowing controlled in the body?

Through signals sent from the medulla oblongata to the muscle. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the pressure responses in the swallowing mechanism?

Pressure of food on the hard plate and gums. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when swallowing occurs according to the control center?

The nasal cavity is blocked, preventing airflow. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of gap junctions in single-unit smooth muscle?

They allow for synchronous contraction among muscle cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mechanoreceptors during chewing?

To sense pressure from food on the mouth structures. Signup and view all the answers

In the contraction process of smooth muscle, what follows the phosphorylation of myosin?

Dephosphorylation of myosin triggers relaxation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary functional consequence of the epiglottis during the swallowing process?

It diverts food away from the trachea. Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve type is responsible for the control of chewing?

Somatic nerves to the mouth and jaw. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a cycle of contractions in the context of swallowing and jaw movement?

Pressure exerted by food on the associated structures. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers peristaltic waves when food is swallowed?

Esophageal mechanoreceptors signaling the swallowing center Signup and view all the answers

What role do peristaltic waves play in digestion?

They push food towards the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close after a meal?

Increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a large food bolus during swallowing?

It requires secondary esophageal peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the closure of the lower esophageal sphincter after swallowing?

Stretch receptors in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What role does calcium play in muscle contraction?

It is involved in bridge formation between thick and thin filaments. Signup and view all the answers

How does the swallowing process affect the esophagus?

It actively contracts to push food downward Signup and view all the answers

Which type of channels allow calcium to enter the cell during muscle contraction?

Voltage-gated and ligand-gated channels. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the sensation when swallowing?

Mechano-receptors in the esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature do thin filaments have in muscle cells?

They are anchored to the plasma membrane or dense bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates muscle contraction in response to electrical signals?

Spontaneous electrical activity in the plasma membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased cytosolic calcium in muscle cells?

Binding of calcium to calmodulin leading to increased activity. Signup and view all the answers

How do thick and thin filaments interact to cause muscle contraction?

They form a structure that shortens during contraction. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT directly involved in muscle contraction?

Hormones that regulate metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the plasma membrane during the contraction process?

It undergoes spontaneous depolarization. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about muscle contraction is true?

Extracellular calcium contributes to contraction. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for bridge formation during muscle contraction?

Presence of cytosolic calcium. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the sphincter play in relation to the stomach?

It prevents acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is particularly involved in dissolving food?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

What common condition can be exacerbated during pregnancy related to digestive issues?

Gastroesophageal reflux Signup and view all the answers

What function does bile serve in digestion?

It aids in the digestion of fats. Signup and view all the answers

What can cause increased pressure in the abdomen during pregnancy?

Fetal growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for initiating the digestion of carbohydrates?