Swallowing Physiology

Swallowing is a complex process involving several coordinated actions. It begins when food is chewed and mixed with saliva, forming a bolus (a soft mass). The tongue pushes the bolus to the back of the mouth, triggering a reflex that closes the airway to prevent choking. The bolus then moves down the throat through a series of muscle contractions called peristalsis, passing through the esophagus into the stomach. This process occurs quickly and efficiently, ensuring that food moves smoothly while protecting the airways. Overall, swallowing is essential for digestion and safe eating.

Additional Insights

Swallowing is a complex process that involves coordinating the mouth, throat, and esophagus to move food from the mouth to the stomach. It begins with chewing and mixing food with saliva, forming a bolus. The tongue pushes this bolus to the back of the mouth, triggering a reflex that closes the airway to prevent choking and opens the esophagus. Muscles in the esophagus then contract in a wave-like motion to transport the bolus down to the stomach. This intricate process ensures safe and efficient swallowing, allowing us to enjoy and digest food properly.