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Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe the process of passing food, drink, etc. through the mouth to the stomach by means of the pharynx and into the esophagus?
What is the term used to describe the process of passing food, drink, etc. through the mouth to the stomach by means of the pharynx and into the esophagus?
How many stages are involved in the process of swallowing?
How many stages are involved in the process of swallowing?
What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
Which stage of swallowing is involuntary?
Which stage of swallowing is involuntary?
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Which of the following is a type of peristaltic movement in the esophagus?
Which of the following is a type of peristaltic movement in the esophagus?
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What is the term used to describe ineffective swallowing?
What is the term used to describe ineffective swallowing?
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What is the brain region involved in the regulation of swallowing?
What is the brain region involved in the regulation of swallowing?
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What is a potential complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
What is a potential complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
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Study Notes
Swallowing
- Swallowing, also known as deglutition, is the process of passing food, drink, etc. through the mouth to the stomach by means of the pharynx and into the esophagus, while shutting the epiglottis.
Phases of Swallowing
- There are three stages of swallowing:
- Oral/buccal stage: voluntary
- Pharyngeal stage: involuntary
- Esophageal stage
Oral/Buccal Stage of Swallowing
- Initiated by contraction of muscles of tongue and floor of mouth
- Pushes the bolus posteriorly to the pharynx
Pharyngeal Stage of Swallowing
- Involuntary stage
- Swallowing receptors around tonsillar pillars convey impulses to the brainstem (pons & medulla oblongata)
- Causes pharyngeal muscle contractions, including:
- Upward movement of soft palate
- Closure of posterior nares
- Medial approximation of palatopharyngeal folds
- Tight approximation of vocal cords
- Larynx pulled upward and anteriorly by neck muscles
- Epiglottis covers opening of larynx
- Pharynx contracts and food propelled into esophagus
- Swallowing center inhibits respiration during this phase
Esophageal Stage of Swallowing
- Starts with relaxation of upper esophageal sphincters
- When food passes, the sphincters close, glottis opens, and breathing resumes
- Food traverses the esophagus in about 6-10 seconds
- Two types of peristaltic movements in the esophagus:
- Primary peristalsis: continuation of pharyngeal peristaltic movement
- Secondary peristalsis: from distention of esophagus by retained food
Clinical Significance
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease can damage the esophagus, causing heartburn
- Dysphagia means ineffective swallowing
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Description
This quiz covers the process of deglutition, including the three stages of swallowing: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal.
