Swallowing Process Overview

What is the primary purpose of lip closure during the oral preparatory phase of swallowing?

During the oral transit phase, what action is performed by the tongue to assist in swallowing?

Which event marks the transition from the pharyngeal phase to the esophageal phase of swallowing?

What is a key role of the pharyngeal constrictors during the pharyngeal phase?

What initiates the involuntary aspects of the swallowing process?

Swallowing Process

Swallowing is a complex process with several stages.
The oral preparatory stage involves getting food/liquid into the mouth, closing lips, chewing to form a bolus, and moving the bolus to the middle of the tongue. This stage is voluntary.
In the oral transit stage, the tongue pushes the bolus against the hard palate, then moves it posteriorly, allowing it to fall back into the mouth. The soft palate elevates. This stage is also voluntary.
The pharyngeal stage is both voluntary and involuntary. The soft palate elevates, the tongue's posterior part touches the posterior pharyngeal wall, and pharyngeal constrictors push the bolus down. The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opens.
The laryngeal stage is part of the pharyngeal stage. The larynx elevates and moves forward. The epiglottis folds down.
The esophageal stage involves the UES closing, and peristalsis moving the bolus down. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens and closes.

Swallowing Development

Swallowing development involves milestones in infants and young children.

Explore the intricate stages of the swallowing process, from the oral preparatory stage to the esophageal stage. Understand the roles of both voluntary and involuntary actions during swallowing. This quiz covers key concepts related to human anatomy and physiology.