humans have the ability to effectively swallow upside down, what makes this possible?
explain clearly plz!!!
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070802162159AA9cCWB
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2005-03/1110582380.An.r.html
http://hes.ucfsd.org/gclaypo/digestive_system.html#Can we swallow if we are upside
http://www.pennmedicine.org/encyclopedia/em_DisplayAnimation.aspx?gcid=000097&ptid=17
The ability of humans to swallow effectively, even while upside down, is primarily due to the coordination and function of various muscles and structures involved in the swallowing process. The act of swallowing involves a series of complex movements that start in the mouth and travel down to the esophagus, which leads to the stomach. Here's an explanation of how this process works:
1. Oral Phase: The process begins when you chew and form a food bolus or liquid in your mouth. Your tongue then helps push the food or liquid to the back of the oral cavity.
2. Pharyngeal Phase: As the bolus reaches the back of your mouth, it triggers the swallowing reflex. This reflex activates a series of muscle contractions in your throat, called the pharyngeal muscles. These muscles propel the bolus towards the esophagus, while the epiglottis - a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue - folds over the windpipe (trachea) to prevent food from entering your lungs.
3. Esophageal Phase: Once the bolus enters the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the throat and the stomach, peristalsis occurs. Peristalsis refers to coordinated contractions of the esophageal muscles that push the bolus downward. This process continues until the bolus reaches the stomach.
Now, when it comes to swallowing upside down, such as during activities like upside-down yoga poses or acrobatics, the primary factor enabling effective swallowing is the force of gravity. Gravity naturally assists in the movement of the bolus, allowing it to flow in the desired direction, even when the body's position is inverted.
Additionally, the human body is well-adapted to perform swallowing efficiently regardless of body position. The muscles involved in swallowing have sufficient strength and coordination to overcome the change in orientation and propel the bolus effectively. However, it's worth noting that extreme or prolonged changes in body position may significantly affect the ability to swallow comfortably.
In conclusion, the ability of humans to swallow effectively while upside down is possible due to the coordination of specific muscles involved in the swallowing process, along with the assistance of gravity.