Bolus Flow & Physiological Correlates — Concise Q&A

What is bolus flow?

The movement of food or liquid through the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing.

Why is bolus flow clinically important? R ARSS

Impaired bolus flow can cause aspiration, residue, and reduced swallowing safety.

What factors influence bolus flow? BVVTPP

Bolus volume, viscosity, texture, and patient physiology.

What is bolus volume?

The amount of food or liquid swallowed at one time.

How does increased bolus volume affect swallowing?

It increases physiological demand and airway protection needs.

What is bolus viscosity?

The thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid.

How do thin liquids affect swallowing?

They move quickly and increase aspiration risk when timing is impaired.

How do thickened liquids affect bolus flow?

They slow bolus movement and may improve airway protection but increase residue risk.

What is a physiological correlate? S MM S BF DS

A specific muscle or movement that supports bolus flow during swallowing.

What structure primarily moves the bolus in the oral phase?

The tongue.

What physiological actions move the bolus through the pharynx? TBR PC

Tongue base retraction and pharyngeal constriction.

Why is laryngeal elevation important? PA OUES

It protects the airway and assists with UES opening.

What is the function of the UES?

To allow bolus entry into the esophagus and prevent backflow.

What contributes to UES opening? HE CR

Hyolaryngeal elevation and cricopharyngeal relaxation.

What happens if UES opening is reduced? R PSA

Pharyngeal residue and possible post-swallow aspiration.

Why are bolus modifications used clinically?

To compensate for physiological impairments and improve swallow safety.

Why are smaller bolus sizes recommended?

They reduce physiological demand and improve swallow control.

What does delayed swallow initiation indicate? ISI DPR

Impaired sensory input or delayed pharyngeal response.

What does vallecular residue suggest? RTBR

Reduced tongue base retraction.

What does pyriform sinus residue suggest? RPC I UES O

Reduced pharyngeal constriction or impaired UES opening.

What does aspiration before the swallow indicate? PBC DST

Poor bolus control or delayed swallow trigger.

What does aspiration after the swallow indicate?

Residue entering the airway post-swallow.