Deglutition

Deglutition

Enumerate the stages of deglutition and describe each stage.
Answer:

Deglutition:

1. Deglutition First stage – oral stage:

• The anterior part of the tongue is raised and pressed against the hard palate by the intrinsic muscle of the tongue.
• The movement takes place from the anterior to the posterior side.
• This pushes the food bolus into the posterior part of the oral cavity.
• The soft palate closes down and helps to form the bolus.
• The hyoid bone is moved upwards and forwards.
• The posterior part of the tongue is elevated upwards and backward.
• This pushes the bolus through the oropharyngeal isthmus to the oropharynx.

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2. Deglutition Second stage – pharyngeal stage:

• The food is pushed from the oropharynx to the lower part of the laryngopharynx.
• The nasopharyngeal isthmus is closed by elevation of the soft palate.
• This prevents the food bolus from entering the nose.
• The inlet of the larynx is closed, this prevents.
• The food bolus from entering the larynx.
• The larynx and pharynx are elevated.
• The bolus is pushed down over the posterior surface of the epiglottis.

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3. Deglutition Third stage-Oesophageal stage:

• Food passes from the lower part of the pharynx to the esophagus.
• It is brought about by the inferior constrictor of the pharynx.