What are the stages of swallowing?

The stages of swallowing are best described as Oral Preparation, Pharyngeal Transit, and Esophageal Transit.

In the Oral Preparation phase, food is chewed and mixed with saliva to form a cohesive bolus. This process is crucial as it ensures that the food is adequately broken down for easier swallowing and digestion. It also includes the awareness of the texture and taste of the food, indicating the body's readiness to swallow.

The Pharyngeal Transit phase occurs when the bolus is propelled from the mouth through the pharynx. This phase is marked by a series of reflex actions that start once the bolus reaches the back of the mouth, triggering the swallowing reflex. During this stage, important physiological changes take place, including the closure of the airway to prevent aspiration, and the movement of the bolus through the pharynx towards the esophagus.

Lastly, the Esophageal Transit phase involves the movement of the bolus through the esophagus into the stomach. This is facilitated by coordinated muscle contractions called peristalsis, which pushes the bolus down the esophagus and into the stomach efficiently.

This systematic approach to swallowing illustrates the complexity and coordination of multiple body systems working together to facilitate nutrition intake, making these terms highly relevant in