Swallowing Mechanism and Anatomy

Swallowing, or deglutition, is the process of moving food from the mouth to the stomach. It involves three phases: the oral phase, which is voluntary, and the pharyngeal and esophageal phases, which are involuntary. The oral phase involves the tongue pushing the bolus to the pharynx, while the soft palate prevents nasal entry. The pharyngeal phase triggers the swallow reflex, coordinating the closure of the vocal cords and movement of the larynx to protect the airway. The esophageal phase uses peristalsis to move food to the stomach, allowing respiration to resume.

What is another term for swallowing?

• Mastication

• Deglutition

• Peristalsis

• Ingestion

Which phase of swallowing is voluntary?

• Pharyngeal phase

• Gastric phase

• Esophageal phase

• Oral phase

What prevents food from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing?

• Soft palate

• Epiglottis

• Tongue

• Vocal cords

What triggers the initiation of the swallow reflex?

• Stimulation of receptors in the oropharynx

• Contraction of the esophagus

• Movement of the tongue

• Closure of the vocal cords

Where are the vocal folds located?

• In the nasal cavity

• In the larynx

• In the pharynx

• In the esophagus

What action does the epiglottis perform during swallowing?

• Opens the esophagus

• Contracts the pharynx

• Closes the nasal cavity

• Flips over the trachea entrance

What is the function of the upper esophageal sphincter during swallowing?

• To close the trachea

• To moisten the bolus

• To open the esophagus

• To contract the pharynx

What is the process called that moves food down the esophagus?

• Ingestion

• Deglutition

• Mastication

• Peristalsis

What happens to the larynx after the bolus enters the esophagus?

• It remains elevated

• It moves back down

• It opens the trachea

• It contracts