Which phase of swallowing is marked by involuntary movement of the bolus to the esophagus?

Which phase of swallowing is marked by involuntary movement of the bolus to the esophagus?

• A. Oral Phase
• B. Esophageal Phase
• C. Pharyngeal Phase
• D. Digestive Phase

Answer: (C)

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is characterized by the involuntary movement of the bolus from the mouth into the esophagus. During this phase, several critical actions occur to ensure the safe and efficient passage of the bolus. As the bolus is propelled into the pharynx, neurological signals trigger a series of reflexive actions that protect the airway, such as the elevation of the soft palate to prevent the bolus from entering the nasal cavity and the closure of the vocal cords to seal off the trachea. The muscles of the pharynx then contract in a sequential manner to direct the bolus downward into the esophagus, ensuring that swallowing is a smooth and coordinated process. In contrast, the oral phase involves the voluntary manipulation of food within the mouth, where chewing and mixing with saliva occurs, but does not yet account for the involuntary actions needed to move the bolus into the esophagus. The esophageal phase, while also involuntary, pertains to the movements that occur after the bolus has entered the esophagus itself. Lastly, the digestive phase refers more broadly to the processes involved in breaking down food within the gastrointestinal tract, which is separate from the mechanical act of swallowing. Thus, the pharyngeal

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is characterized by the involuntary movement of the bolus from the mouth into the esophagus. During this phase, several critical actions occur to ensure the safe and efficient passage of the bolus. As the bolus is propelled into the pharynx, neurological signals trigger a series of reflexive actions that protect the airway, such as the elevation of the soft palate to prevent the bolus from entering the nasal cavity and the closure of the vocal cords to seal off the trachea. The muscles of the pharynx then contract in a sequential manner to direct the bolus downward into the esophagus, ensuring that swallowing is a smooth and coordinated process.

In contrast, the oral phase involves the voluntary manipulation of food within the mouth, where chewing and mixing with saliva occurs, but does not yet account for the involuntary actions needed to move the bolus into the esophagus. The esophageal phase, while also involuntary, pertains to the movements that occur after the bolus has entered the esophagus itself. Lastly, the digestive phase refers more broadly to the processes involved in breaking down food within the gastrointestinal tract, which is separate from the mechanical act of swallowing. Thus, the pharyngeal