Final answer:
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, or impairment in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach, known as deglutition, which involves multiple phases and is aided by peristalsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It pertains to issues with the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach, a process also known as deglutition. The term deglutition describes the entire process that includes the voluntary phase—wherein control over swallowing is exercised, the pharyngeal phase—where the food passes through the throat, and the esophageal phase—where the food moves down the esophagus. This multi-stage process involves the skeletal muscle of the tongue, the muscles of the pharynx and esophagus, the assistance of mucus and saliva, and the action known as peristalsis, which moves food through the digestive tract via rhythmic contractions. Issues with dysphagia can significantly affect nutrition and quality of life and may require medical attention.