🧠 Neurology of Swallowing — Concise Q&A

1. What is cortical control of swallowing? PIM

Higher brain regions that plan, initiate, and modify voluntary swallowing.

2. What does the primary motor cortex do in swallowing?

Executes voluntary motor movements for swallowing.

3. What is the role of the premotor cortex?

Plans swallowing movements before execution.

4. What does the supplementary motor area (SMA) do? C CB SM

Coordinates complex and bilateral swallowing movements.

5. Why are sensory association areas important?

They interpret sensory input (taste, texture, temperature) for swallow adjustment.

6. What is the role of the insula?

Integrates sensory, motor, and autonomic aspects of swallowing.

🧠 Subcortical Control

7. What is subcortical control of swallowing?

Regulates timing, coordination, and smoothness of swallowing.

8. What do the basal ganglia do? MIC

regulate movement initiation and coordination.

9. What is the thalamus’ role?

Relays sensory information to and from the cortex.

10. What are extRapyRaMidal tracts?

Motor pathways that refine and regulate movement.

🧠 Brainstem Control

11. Why is the bRainstem essential for swallowing?

Controls reflexive phases of swallowing.

12. What is the central pattern generator (CPG)?

A neural network that automatically sequences swallowing movements.

automatically controls swallowing

13. Which nuclei form the swallowing CPG? NTS NA

Nucleus tractus solitarius and nucleus ambiguus.

14. What does the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) do? RSI TSR

Receives sensory input and triggers the swallow reflex.

15. What does the nucleus ambiguus do? PMO PLM

Provides motor output to pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles.

16. How do pontine respiratory centers interact with swallowing? C BS PA

Coordinate breathing and swallowing to protect the airway.

🧠 Peripheral Control

17. What is peripheral control of swallowing? CN M ESM

Cranial nerves and muscles executing swallow movements.

🔗 Cranial Nerves

18. What is CN V (Trigeminal) responsible for?

Oral sensation and mastication.

19. What is CN VII (Facial) responsible for?

Lip closure, facial movement, and anterior tongue taste.

20. What is CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) responsible for? PS SI

Pharyngeal sensation and swallow initiation.

21. What is CN X (Vagus) responsible for?

Pharyngeal/laryngeal movement and airway protection.

22. What is CN XII (Hypoglossal) responsible for?

Tongue movement for bolus control.

23. How do the motor and sensory cortices support the oropharynx? S MC R SF

They send motor commands and receive sensory feedback from swallowing structures.