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Ch. 23 The Digestive System
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 23, Problem 21

Describe the two phases of swallowing, noting the organs involved and the activities that occur.

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The first phase of swallowing is the **buccal phase** (voluntary phase). It begins in the mouth when the tongue pushes the bolus (chewed food mixed with saliva) against the hard palate and then toward the oropharynx. The tongue and hard palate are the primary structures involved in this phase.
During the buccal phase, the soft palate rises to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. This ensures the bolus is directed toward the pharynx.
The second phase is the **pharyngeal-esophageal phase** (involuntary phase). This phase begins when the bolus enters the oropharynx. The pharynx and esophagus are the primary organs involved in this phase.
In the pharyngeal-esophageal phase, the epiglottis closes over the laryngeal opening to prevent food from entering the trachea. Simultaneously, the upper esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the bolus to enter the esophagus.
Peristalsis (a series of wave-like muscle contractions) propels the bolus down the esophagus toward the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the stomach, completing the swallowing process.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pharyngeal Phase

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is a reflexive process that begins when food reaches the back of the throat. During this phase, the soft palate elevates to close off the nasal passages, and the epiglottis folds down to cover the trachea, preventing food from entering the airway. The pharyngeal muscles contract to push the bolus down into the esophagus, ensuring a safe and efficient transition from the mouth to the digestive tract.
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Esophageal Phase

The esophageal phase follows the pharyngeal phase and involves the movement of the bolus through the esophagus to the stomach. This phase is characterized by peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle contractions that propel the bolus downward. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the stomach, completing the swallowing process. This phase is involuntary and typically takes about 8 to 20 seconds.
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Anatomy of the Swallowing Process

Understanding the anatomy involved in swallowing is crucial for comprehending the phases of this process. Key organs include the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and the associated muscles and sphincters. The tongue plays a vital role in forming the bolus and initiating swallowing, while the soft palate, epiglottis, and esophageal sphincters ensure that food is directed appropriately and safely through the digestive system.
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