In which phase of swallowing does the swallow reflex and peristaltic action occur?

In which phase of swallowing does the swallow reflex and peristaltic action occur?

• A. Pre-oral Phase
• B. Esophageal Phase
• C. Oral Phase
• D. Pharyngeal Phase

Answer: (D)

The swallow reflex and peristaltic action occur during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. This phase is crucial as it involves the automatic actions of swallowing that are initiated when food or liquid reaches the back of the mouth and triggers sensory receptors. As the bolus is propelled into the pharynx, a series of reflexive actions are activated, including the closure of the vocal cords to prevent aspiration and the elevation of the larynx, which helps direct the bolus into the esophagus rather than the trachea. Concurrently, peristalsis, which is the wave-like muscle contractions that occur in the esophagus, is setting up to move the bolus down toward the stomach once it has passed the pharynx. In summary, this phase encompasses both the asynchronous reflex events that secure the airway and the initiation of esophageal peristalsis, making it fundamental to the swallowing process.

The swallow reflex and peristaltic action occur during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. This phase is crucial as it involves the automatic actions of swallowing that are initiated when food or liquid reaches the back of the mouth and triggers sensory receptors.

As the bolus is propelled into the pharynx, a series of reflexive actions are activated, including the closure of the vocal cords to prevent aspiration and the elevation of the larynx, which helps direct the bolus into the esophagus rather than the trachea. Concurrently, peristalsis, which is the wave-like muscle contractions that occur in the esophagus, is setting up to move the bolus down toward the stomach once it has passed the pharynx.

In summary, this phase encompasses both the asynchronous reflex events that secure the airway and the initiation of esophageal peristalsis, making it fundamental to the swallowing process.