Glotanie (Swallowing, Deglutition)

Swallowing (Swallowing, Deglutition) is a complex reflex act that allows food to be transferred from the oral cavity to the esophagus. This process involves several sequential movements that are performed automatically, without our participation or control.

The first stage of swallowing begins with the muscles of the soft palate contracting and raising the velum. This helps isolate the nasal throat from the mouth and prevent food from entering the nasal passages.

The epiglottis then closes the entrance to the larynx to prevent suffocation. After this, the root of the tongue moves back and pushes the food bolus into the opening of the pharynx and oropharynx.

When a bolus of food enters the oropharynx, the muscles of the pharynx begin to contract to push it down the esophagus. This process continues until the bolus of food reaches the stomach.

In addition, swallowing also involves a number of other mechanisms that help move food through the esophagus. For example, during swallowing, the muscles around the esophagus relax to create enough space for the bolus to pass.

It is also important to note that swallowing is a more complex process than it may seem at first glance. For example, swallowing large pieces of food requires more complex coordination between the muscles of the pharynx and tongue.

Overall, swallowing is an important process that allows us to obtain essential nutrients from food. Although this process occurs automatically, it requires the coordinated work of many muscle groups and mechanisms that ensure the safe and efficient transfer of food into the esophagus.

Swallowing (Swallowing, Deglutition) is a complex reflex process that allows food to pass from the mouth to the esophagus and then to the stomach. This process occurs automatically and does not depend on our will. However, with certain diseases or disorders of swallowing function, this process can be disrupted and lead to various health problems.

Swallowing consists of several successive stages, each of which is performed by specific muscle groups. The first step is preparing the food for swallowing. During this stage, we chew and grind food in our teeth, add saliva to lubricate and moisten the food, and form it into a bolus.

After this, the pharyngeal swallowing phase begins, when the bolus of food moves from the mouth to the pharynx. At this stage, the muscles of the soft palate contract and the velum palatine rises, which is pressed against the back wall of the pharynx, separating the nasal part of the pharynx. The epiglottis closes the opening to the larynx, preventing food from entering the airways. The root of the tongue moves to the back wall of the pharynx and pushes food into the pharynx and oropharynx.

At the last stage, the bolus of food passes through the pharynx and enters the esophagus. The muscles of the pharynx contract and push the bolus of food down the esophagus, towards the stomach. This process takes only a few seconds and occurs without our participation.

Even though swallowing is an automatic process, some people may have problems with it. Some diseases, such as parkinsonism, strokes, and problems with the structure or function of the pharynx, can lead to swallowing problems. This can manifest itself in the form of pain when swallowing, food retention in the throat, as well as other unpleasant symptoms.

Overall, swallowing is a very important process for our body to enable us to obtain essential nutrients from food. The correct functioning of all muscle groups involved in the swallowing process is a guarantee of health and well-being.

Swallowing is a reflex act that occurs when a bolus of food enters the esophagus from the oral cavity. It consists of several successive movements that allow the bolus of food to pass through the throat and into the esophagus. Various muscles and organs are involved in this process, such as the muscles of the soft palate, velum, epiglottis, root of the tongue and muscles of the pharynx.

The first stage of swallowing begins with contraction of the muscles of the soft palate. This causes the velum to rise and close the entrance to the nasal throat. The free edge of the velum is then pressed against the back of the throat, separating the nose from the throat. The epiglottis also rises and closes the opening to the larynx, preventing food from entering the airways.

After this, the root of the tongue begins to move backward, pushing the food bolus through the opening of the pharynx. At the same time, the muscles of the pharynx contract, helping the food bolus move further. The bolus of food passes through the oropharynx and enters the esophagus, where it continues on its way to the stomach.

Swallowing is an important process for maintaining human health and well-being. It helps us obtain nutrients and energy from food, and also protects our body from foreign bodies. However, if swallowing is impaired, it can lead to various diseases such as reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease and others. Therefore, it is important to monitor your health and consult a doctor if necessary.