What else movement when we swallow
Several movements occur when we swallow, including:
1. The movement of the tongue: The tongue pushes the food or liquid back towards the throat during swallowing.
2. The upward movement of the soft palate and uvula: The soft palate (the fleshy part at the back of the roof of the mouth) and the uvula (the small bell-shaped structure hanging from the soft palate) move upward to seal off the nasal cavity. This prevents food or liquid from entering the nose during swallowing.
3. The closure of the epiglottis: The epiglottis, a flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue, folds over the opening of the windpipe (trachea) to prevent food or liquid from entering the respiratory system.
4. The contraction of the pharyngeal muscles: The muscles in the pharynx (the back part of the throat) contract to push the food or liquid downwards towards the esophagus.
5. The relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter: The lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle valve at the bottom of the esophagus, relaxes to allow the food or liquid to enter the stomach.
These coordinated movements ensure that the food or liquid is safely transferred from the mouth, through the throat, and into the stomach without any blockages or reflux.
When we swallow, several movements occur in coordination to ensure that the food or liquid moves safely from the mouth to the stomach. These movements involve various structures and muscles in the throat and esophagus. Here are the steps involved in swallowing:
1. Oral Preparation:
- The tongue pushes the food or liquid towards the back of the mouth.
- Saliva is released to moisten and lubricate the food.
2. Oral Phase:
- The tongue pushes the food or liquid towards the back of the mouth.
- The soft palate elevates to close off the nasal passage, preventing food from entering the nose.
- The epiglottis, a flap of tissue, covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) to prevent inhalation.
3. Pharyngeal Phase:
- The involuntary swallow reflex is triggered.
- The tongue pushes the food or liquid towards the back of the throat (pharynx), triggering a series of movements.
- The muscles in the pharynx contract, pushing the food towards the esophagus.
- The epiglottis remains closed, directing the food or liquid towards the esophagus instead of the windpipe.
4. Esophageal Phase:
- The upper esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the food or liquid to enter the esophagus.
- The muscles in the esophagus contract in a wave-like motion called peristalsis, pushing the food towards the stomach.
- The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the food to enter the stomach.
It's important to note that swallowing is an automatic process controlled by the autonomic nervous system. However, certain medical conditions or problems with the muscles involved in swallowing can cause difficulties or swallowing disorders called dysphagia.