Final answer:
Shallow sucks often indicate a weak latch during infant feeding and are related to the complex process of deglutition, which includes the voluntary, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing (option d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question regarding shallow sucks, which refers to inadequate sucking behavior often seen in newborns or young infants, is related to the topic of deglutition, another term for swallowing. Shallow sucks may suggest a weak latch during breastfeeding, which can be characterized by small jaw movements and inadequate tongue function required for effective feeding. The process of swallowing is complex and involves multiple phases: the voluntary, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.
During the voluntary phase, the individual has control over the initiation of swallowing. The tongue plays a major role, pushing the food bolus to the back of the oral cavity into the oropharynx. This is followed by the pharyngeal phase, where the swallowing reflex is triggered, and the muscles of the pharynx propel the bolus toward the esophagus while preventing aspiration into the trachea. Lastly, the esophageal phase involves the passage of food through the esophagus to the stomach.
Hence, the answer is option d.