- Swallowing (Deglutition)
- Act of clearing solids and liquids into the Gastrointestinal Tract via the pharynx and Esophagus
- Swallowing is complicated by food and drink sharing a common entry with air for breathing
- When disordered, aspiration food and liquid into airway may occur
- Swallowing requires complex coordination of voluntary and involuntary Muscle Contractions
- Oropharyngeal Stages
- Food bolus creation
- Food is chewed and mixed with Saliva until necessary consistency
- Food moves into posterior pharynx
- Food is propelled forward by Tongue
- Airway protection
- Larynx rises and glottis closes during Swallowing
- Epiglottis falls over the Larynx, directing food posteriorly into the Esophagus
- Gag Reflex may induce Vomiting when stimulating the uvula and other posterior pharynx
- Cough expels aspirated matter that has bypassed other protective measures
- Esophageal Stages
- Esophageal entry
- Food bolus passes into the Esophagus via the upper esophageal sphincter
- Esophageal transit
- Food bolus is propelled forward by esophageal peristalsis
- Stomach entry
- Food bolus passes through the lower esophageal sphincter into the Stomach
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