Human swallow functions

Swallowing is a complex process that safely moves food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. It involves muscles in your mouth, throat, and esophagus working together. First, the tongue pushes food to the back of the mouth, triggering a reflex that closes the airway and directs the food into the throat. The muscles then contract to propel the food down the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Valves called sphincters open and close at the right times to prevent backflow and ensure smooth passage, making swallowing efficient and safe.