Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is a rapid, coordinated process where the throat muscles work together to safely move food or liquid from the mouth to the esophagus. Once you swallow, the soft palate lifts to close the nasal passages, the voice box elevates, and the vocal cords seal to prevent food from entering the airway. The muscles in the throat then push the food downward, guiding it past the voice box and into the esophagus, while breathing temporarily pauses. This involuntary phase happens in less than a second and is crucial for safe, efficient swallowing.