Deglutition

Deglutition refers to the process of swallowing. It is an essential part of the digestive process, allowing food and liquids to pass from the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. This process involves a complex series of coordinated muscle movements and reflexes.

Anatomy of Deglutition

Deglutition involves several structures in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. The process begins in the oral cavity, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The tongue then pushes the food to the back of the mouth, into the pharynx. From there, the food passes into the esophagus, a muscular tube that leads to the stomach.

Phases of Deglutition

Deglutition is typically divided into three phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase.

Oral Phase

The oral phase of deglutition is voluntary and involves the chewing and mixing of food with saliva. The tongue then pushes the food bolus towards the back of the mouth.

Pharyngeal Phase

The pharyngeal phase is involuntary and begins when the food bolus reaches the back of the mouth. The epiglottis closes off the windpipe to prevent food from entering the lungs, and the food bolus is pushed into the esophagus.

Esophageal Phase

The esophageal phase is also involuntary and involves the movement of the food bolus down the esophagus and into the stomach. This is achieved through a series of coordinated muscle contractions known as peristalsis.

Disorders of Deglutition

Disorders of deglutition, known as dysphagia, can occur at any stage of the swallowing process. These can be due to a variety of causes, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, and esophageal diseases.

See Also

• Oral cavity
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
• Dysphagia

Deglutition Resources
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