Question

In which stage of the swallow might patients experience achalasia?

A) Oral phase
B) Pharyngeal phase
C) Esophageal phase
D) Gastric phase

Answer 1

Achalasia typically occurs during the esophageal phase of deglutition, when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax, disrupting the movement of the food bolus into the stomach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients may experience achalasia during the esophageal phase of deglutition. Achalasia is a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, making it difficult for the bolus of food to pass into the stomach. During the esophageal phase, controlled by the medulla oblongata, peristalsis moves the bolus toward the stomach while the muscular layers of the esophagus, including the circular muscle layer and the longitudinal muscle layer, contract to facilitate this process.