Normal Swallowing in Adults

These flashcards cover key anatomical components, physiological stages, and factors affecting swallowing, particularly in relation to aging and neurologic controls.

What are the four stages of swallowing?

The four stages of swallowing are: (1) oral preparatory stage, (2) oral stage, (3) pharyngeal stage, (4) esophageal stage.

What anatomy separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity?

The bony palate and the velum (soft palate) separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

Which cranial nerve innervates the muscles for chewing?

The trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V) innervates the principal muscles for chewing.

What is the main function of the cricopharyngeal muscle during swallowing?

The cricopharyngeal muscle acts as a sphincter, relaxing during the passage of the bolus from the pharynx into the esophagus.

How does normal aging affect swallowing?

Normal aging can contribute to dysphagia through peripheral alterations in sensory perception and decreased muscle strength.

What are hyoid bone movements important for during swallowing?

Hyoid bone movements are important for airway protection and the opening of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) during swallowing.

What sensory receptors are involved in the oral preparation phase of swallowing?

Taste, temperature, and pressure receptors involved in the oral preparation phase are primarily located on the tongue, hard and soft palates, and pharynx.

Define the role of saliva in swallowing.

Saliva facilitates taste, assists in bolus formation, maintains oral hygiene, and regulates acidity levels in the stomach and esophagus.

What cranial nerves are primarily involved in the sensory input for swallowing?

Cranial nerves VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus) are primarily involved in sensory input for swallowing.

What is the significance of the valleculae in swallowing?

The valleculae serve as important anatomic landmarks during the videoradiographic assessment of pharyngeal swallowing.

How does the muscular activity in the pharyngeal stage contribute to swallowing?

Muscular activity in the pharyngeal stage includes the sequential contraction of the superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles to aid in bolus propulsion.

What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?

The epiglottis helps protect the airway by tilting down to cover the laryngeal opening during swallowing.

What determines the timing and strength of bolus movement during swallowing?

The timing and strength of bolus movement are determined by coordinated neuromuscular contractions and the forces of gravity.

What occurs during the oral stage of swallowing?

During the oral stage, the bolus is propelled to the pharynx by the tongue's posterior movement, while respiration pauses.

What are the effects of viscosity on swallowing?

Increased viscosity requires greater tongue pressures for bolus transport and can affect swallowing biomechanics.

How does the upper esophageal sphincter function during swallowing?

The upper esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to pass into the esophagus during swallowing.

What adaptive changes may occur in swallowing due to aging?

Aging may lead to decreased muscle strength, changes in sensory perception, and longer swallow durations, potentially exacerbating the risk of dysphagia.