Neural Basis of Swallowing and Speech Flashcards

Flashcards about the Neural Basis of Swallowing and Speech

Swallowing

Also referred to as deglutition; related to cognition, respiratory support, and physical capacity.

Dysphagia

Swallowing disorder.

Implications of Dysphagia

Poor nutrition, dehydration, aspiration, medical complications, and reduced quality of life.

Bolus

Food that has been chewed, broken down, and mixed with saliva, forming a cohesive ball.

Cortical Structures Involved in Swallowing

Primary motor cortex and primary sensory cortex.

Subcortical Structures Involved in Swallowing

Basal ganglia and limbic structures.

Nucleus Ambiguus

Group of motor neurons located in the medulla; contains cell bodies that supply muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx.

Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

Group of sensory neurons located in the medulla; related to the sense of taste.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Muscles of facial expression, eye & lip closure; taste (anterior ⅔ of tongue), saliva production.

Vagus Nerve (X)

Larynx, pharynx & soft palate; pharynx & larynx, taste from the epiglottis & pharynx

Voluntary Movement

Purposeful, goal oriented, learned, and improved with practice.

Rhythmic Motor Patterns

Combination of voluntary and reflexive acts; chewing, walking, running.

Reflexes

Involuntary, rapid, and stereotyped movements; gag reflex, coughing, knee jerk reflex.

Central Pattern Generators (CPG)

Networks of neurons that produce stereotyped movements such as walking, breathing, and chewing.

The Gag Reflex

Protective mechanism to prevent unwanted entry of foreign bodies to respiratory passage.

Oral Preparatory Stage

Lip closure (CNVII), lateral jaw (CNV) and tongue (CNXII) movement, anterior pulling of soft palate (CNX)

Oral Transit Stage

Food is moved back through the mouth with a front to back squeezing action, the tongue pushes the bolus against the palate, into the posterior part of oral cavity & into the pharynx.

Pharyngeal Stage

Closing off & protecting the airways while moving food through the pharynx.

Role of Speech Pathologist in Dysphagia Management

Assessment of dysphagia via clinical or instrumental assessment, food & fluid texture modification, compensatory strategies.

Role of Occupational Therapist in Dysphagia Management

Assist with support for the access to food & drinks, monitoring of swallowing symptoms

Role of Physiotherapist in Dysphagia Management

Assist in optimal positioning - suctioning of oral, nasopharyngeal & oropharyngeal regions, monitoring of swallowing symptoms.

Pre-Motor Cortex

Plays a role in planning movement

Broca’s Area

Role specifically in planning speech movement

Supplementary Motor Area

Programming movement sequences.

Primary Motor Area

Responsible for the execution of the movement

Motor Plan

Specifies what the motor goals are - what needs to happen.

Motor Program

Specific motor procedures - how will a goal be achieved.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Movement of facial muscles - lip movement & articulation of bilabial sounds

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)

Can aid in velopharyngeal closure (soft palate closure of the nasal cavity)

Vagus Nerve (X)

Primarily responsible for elevation of the soft palate during velopharyngeal closure & possible abnormal nasal airflow/resistance

Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)

Movement of the tongue for articulation of lingual sounds

Corticobulbar Tract

Arises from the primary motor cortex in the frontal lobe

Dysarthria

Speech movement disorders; abnormality of strength, range, tone & accuracy of movement.

Dyspraxia

Impairment with the capacity to plan or program speech but the muscles aren’t weak.