Question

Which of the following statements best describes the pharyngeal phase of swallowing?

a. It is the phase in which the involuntary swallowing reflux begins and the bolus is carried through the pharynx to the top of the esophagus
b. It is the phase in which there is a rapid passage of large amounts of food into the small intestine
c. It is the phase in which esophageal peristalsis carries the bolus through the esophagus and LES and into the stomach
d. It is the phase in which the tongue moves the bolus to the back of the throat
e. It is the phase in which the food is chewed and made into a bolus by the tongue, teeth, and mandible

Answer 1

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is an involuntary process where the bolus is carried through the pharynx to the esophagus, involving reflexes controlled by the medulla oblongata, and is preceded by the voluntary phase and followed by the esophageal phase.Option A is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is best described as the phase in which the involuntary swallowing reflex begins and the bolus is carried through the pharynx to the top of the esophagus. During this phase, the stimulation of receptors in the oropharynx sends impulses to the deglutition center in the medulla oblongata.

This leads to a series of coordinated actions such as the uvula and soft palate moving upward to close off the nasopharynx and laryngeal muscles constricting to prevent aspiration of the bolus into the trachea, resulting in a brief cessation of breathing, known as deglutition apnea.

Thus, the statement that describes the pharyngeal phase best is 'a. It is the phase in which the involuntary swallowing reflex begins and the bolus is carried through the pharynx to the top of the esophagus'. This phase follows the voluntary phase of swallowing, where one has control over the initiation of the swallowing process. The esophageal phase comes after the pharyngeal phase, where peristalsis moves the bolus through the esophagus to the stomach.