Cervical Sympathetic Nervous System and Swallowing Controls

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cervical sympathetic nervous system and the neuronal control involved in the swallowing process.

Afferent Controls in Swallowing

Nerve inputs that carry sensory information (tactile, thermal, chemical) to the brainstem during the swallowing process.

Efferent Controls in Swallowing

Nerve outputs that facilitate muscle contractions and motor responses during the swallowing process.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) - Afferent

Responsible for general sensation, including touch and temperature, from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) - Efferent

Responsible for the motor control of the muscles of mastication (chewing).

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) - Afferent

Responsible for providing special sensation (taste) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) - Efferent

Responsible for motor control of the lip sphincter and cheek muscles to prevent bolus leakage.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) - Afferent

Responsible for taste and general sensation from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue and the pharynx.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) - Efferent

Facilitates motor control for pharyngeal elevation and constriction during the swallow.

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus) - Afferent

Transmits sensory information from the pharyngeal and laryngeal cavities to the brainstem.

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus) - Efferent

Controls motor functions in the pharynx and larynx, including airway protection and UES relaxation.

Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) - Efferent

Responsible for all tongue movements necessary for bolus manipulation and posterior propulsion.

Swallowing Center

The medullary area in the brainstem, specifically the NTS and NA, that coordinates the sequenced motor response of swallowing.

Patterned Sensory Input

The combination of sensory signals that triggers the Central Pattern Generator (CPG) to initiate the swallow.

Esophageal Stage of Swallowing

The final phase of deglutition involving the movement of the bolus through the esophagus via peristalsis.