Pharyngeal Constriction

Pharyngeal constriction refers to the coordinated squeezing of the muscles in the throat's pharynx during swallowing. When you swallow, these muscles contract sequentially to propel food or liquid from the mouth down into the esophagus, the tube leading to the stomach. This process ensures that the swallowed material moves efficiently and safely, preventing it from entering the airway (trachea). Proper pharyngeal constriction is essential for effective swallowing; impaired constriction can lead to difficulties, such as food sticking or going down the wrong pipe, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.