Deglutition Fundamentals #2

describe what happens to the tongue base and pharyngeal constrictors during swallowing

When the pharyngeal constrictors squeeze, they narrow the diameter of the tube

The tongue extends from the oral cavity all the way into the pharynx. The base of the tongue is the portion that sits in the pharynx.

identify the functional effects of impairments in bolus clearance

pharyngeal residue, aspiration, poor secretion management, insufficient nutrition

pharyngeal residue

failure to clear everything out of the throat after the swallow

aspiration

if enough is left in your throat after you swallow, when you open up your airway to take a breath, it will all go into your lungs (aspiration)

poor secretion management

if severe enough, people will not be able to swallow secretions so they will have to split them into a cup/suction them out

insufficient nutrition 

if you cant get the food/liquid through your pharynx it can not be transported to your stomach for use