Deglutition Flashcards
What is the definition of deglutition?
Deglutition is the process of swallowing.
What are the three phases of deglutition?
The three phases of deglutition are the oral phase, pharyngeal phase, and esophageal phase.
Describe the role of the oral phase in deglutition.
The oral phase involves the preparation and movement of the bolus from the mouth to the pharynx.
What muscles are involved in the oral phase of deglutition?
The muscles involved in the oral phase include the tongue, buccinator, and orbicularis oris.
How is the bolus of food moved from the mouth to the pharynx?
The tongue pushes the bolus to the back of the mouth towards the pharynx.
What initiates the pharyngeal phase of deglutition?
The pharyngeal phase is initiated when the bolus reaches the back of the mouth, triggering sensory receptors.
Describe the sequence of events in the pharyngeal phase.
The pharyngeal phase involves the elevation of the soft palate, closure of the vocal cords, and movement of the bolus into the esophagus.
How is the airway protected during the pharyngeal phase of deglutition?
The airway is protected by the closing of the vocal cords and the covering of the larynx by the epiglottis.
What role does the soft palate play in deglutition?
The soft palate rises to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity.
What is the function of the epiglottis during deglutition?
The epiglottis folds down to cover the larynx and prevent food from entering the airway.
How does the upper esophageal sphincter contribute to deglutition?
The upper esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the esophagus.
What triggers the esophageal phase of deglutition?
The esophageal phase is triggered by the entry of the bolus into the esophagus.
Describe the primary peristaltic wave in the esophageal phase.
The primary peristaltic wave is a coordinated, wave-like muscle contraction that moves the bolus down the esophagus.
How does the secondary peristaltic wave differ from the primary wave?
The secondary peristaltic wave occurs if the primary wave fails to clear the esophagus, acting to clear any remaining food.
What role does the lower esophageal sphincter play in deglutition?
The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the stomach and prevents reflux.
How is the coordination of deglutition controlled neurologically?
Deglutition is controlled neurologically by the brainstem and cranial nerves.
Which cranial nerves are involved in the control of deglutition?
Cranial nerves V (trigeminal), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XII (hypoglossal) are involved.
How does the brainstem coordinate the phases of deglutition?
The brainstem coordinates the phases of deglutition through the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata.
What is the role of the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata?
The swallowing center integrates sensory input and coordinates motor output for swallowing.
How do sensory receptors in the pharynx contribute to deglutition?
Sensory receptors in the pharynx detect the bolus and initiate the swallowing reflex.
Describe the process of voluntary deglutition.
Voluntary deglutition involves conscious control of the initial phase of swallowing.
How does the autonomic nervous system contribute to deglutition?
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary aspects of swallowing, particularly in the esophageal phase.
What changes occur in the esophagus during deglutition?
During deglutition, the esophagus undergoes coordinated peristaltic contractions to move the bolus.
How does age affect the deglutition process?
Age can affect muscle strength and coordination, leading to potential swallowing difficulties.
