Swallowing

Swallowing is a complex process that involves the coordinated action of muscles in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. It is an essential part of eating and drinking, allowing food and liquids to pass from the mouth into the stomach for digestion.

Anatomy of Swallowing

Swallowing involves several structures in the human body. The process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The tongue then pushes the food to the back of the mouth, into the pharynx. The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus. The esophagus is a long, muscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach.

Phases of Swallowing

Swallowing can be divided into three phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase.

Oral Phase

The oral phase involves the voluntary action of chewing and forming a bolus (a small rounded mass of food) and pushing it to the back of the mouth.

Pharyngeal Phase

The pharyngeal phase is an involuntary phase where the bolus is propelled into the esophagus. The epiglottis, a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue, closes off the windpipe to prevent food from entering the lungs.

Esophageal Phase

The esophageal phase is also involuntary. The muscles of the esophagus contract in a wave-like motion, known as peristalsis, to move the bolus into the stomach.

Disorders of Swallowing

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can occur at any stage of the swallowing process. They can be caused by a variety of conditions, including neurological disorders, muscular disorders, and structural abnormalities. Symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, pain while swallowing, and unintentional weight loss.

Treatment of Swallowing Disorders

Treatment for swallowing disorders depends on the underlying cause. It may involve dietary changes, swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist, or in some cases, surgery.

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Swallowing

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  Real-time MRI of swallowing pineapple juice

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  Sagittal view of the mouth

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  Pelican swallowing a fish