Swallowing 101

 

So swallowing is actually a pretty complex series of maneuvers that is performed by nerves and muscles in our throat. Both sensory nerves and motor nerves are important in the rapid events that take place to get food from our mouths to our stomachs. First, we have to have good sensory nerves to even start the process of swallowing. Second, we have to have good sensation in the larynx (or voice box) to make sure that food doesn’t go into our trachea (windpipe) or lungs. This is called aspiration, and it is no bueno. Coughing is a natural defense mechanism that is triggered when food or liquids touch our larynx. Without a good cough reflex, we could aspirate, and be at risk for a bad lung infection, called apirtation pneumonia.

The process of normal swallow includes the following steps:

  1. The food or liquid enters the mouth and is held in place by the back of the tongue.

  2. The tongue pushes food toward the back of the throat.

  3. As the swallow begins, the epiglottis, in the throat flips over to protect the airway.

  4. The voice box elevates and moves forward to hide under the tongue and epiglottis.

  5. The food enters the esophagus through a little opening called the UES (upper esophageal sphincter) and goes down to the stomach.

When this process does not work as it should, the person could choke or aspirate. Many times this will self-resolve quickly, but if not you may need to call 9-1-1 and/or initiate the Heimlich maneuver.

When there are chronic or ongoing issues related to swallowing, this person might have what’s called dysphagia. Read more about dysphagia here.

 
 

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Throat, Teach & LearnErin Shellenbergerdysphagia, swallowing, choking, anatomy, throat