Swallowing Process Anatomy

What is the function of the palatopharyngeal folds during deglutition?

What is the main function of the epiglottis during swallowing?

What is the main characteristic of deglutition apnoea?

Which stage of deglutition involves the palato-glossal and pharyngeal folds?

Which cranial nerve is responsible for triggering afferent impulses during deglutition?

In which part of the brain is the center for deglutition located?

During swallowing, what causes the closure of the posterior nares?

Which structure forms a hood over the larynx during the pharyngeal stage of swallowing?

What is the purpose of deglutition apnoea during swallowing?

Which response best describes the pharyngeal stage of swallowing?

What prevents reflux of bolus into the pharynx during the oesophageal stage?

What neurotransmitter causes relaxation in front of a bolus during peristalsis?

What condition is characterized by increased LES tone and incomplete relaxation upon swallowing?

"Fundoplication" is a surgical procedure used to treat which condition?

Deglutition and Its Mechanisms

Palatopharyngeal folds assist in guiding food towards the esophagus, preventing misdirection into the nasal cavity during swallowing.
The epiglottis seals off the airway, directing food and liquid into the esophagus and protecting the trachea from aspiration.
Deglutition apnoea is characterized by a temporary cessation of breathing, occurring during the swallowing process to prevent aspiration.
The palato-glossal and pharyngeal folds are significant during the pharyngeal stage of deglutition as they aid in moving the bolus downwards.

Neural Control of Swallowing

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) triggers afferent impulses during the deglutition process.
The deglutition center is located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem, coordinating the swallowing reflex.

Physiological Changes During Swallowing

Closure of the posterior nares during swallowing is caused by the elevation of the soft palate, preventing regurgitation into the nasal cavity.
A hood formed by the epiglottis covers the larynx during the pharyngeal stage of swallowing, further preventing aspiration.

Phases and Reflexes of Swallowing

The pharyngeal stage of swallowing is involuntary, characterized by a reflexive response that includes the elevation of the larynx and closure of the airway.
The esophageal stage prevents reflux of the bolus into the pharynx through the contraction of the upper esophageal sphincter after bolus passage.
Acetylcholine acts as the neurotransmitter that causes relaxation in front of a bolus during the peristaltic movement in the esophagus.

Medical Conditions and Surgical Interventions

Increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone and incomplete relaxation during swallowing indicate conditions such as achalasia.
Fundoplication is a surgical procedure utilized to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reinforcing the LES.

Learn about the anatomy involved in the process of swallowing, including the movement of the soft palate, palatopharyngeal folds, vocal cords, and epiglottis. Understand how these structures work together during the pharyngeal stage of swallowing.