What is deglutition reflex?

Swallowing, or deglutition, is a complex reflex mechanism by which food is pushed from the oral cavity into the esophagus and then pushed to the stomach. This movement of food from the oral cavity on to the esophagus and stomach by pushing is called propulsion, and it is an important part of the digestive process.

What are the steps of the swallowing reflex?

There are 4 phases of swallowing:

  • The Pre-oral Phase. – Starts with the anticipation of food being introduced into the mouth – Salivation is triggered by the sight and smell of food (as well as hunger)
  • The Oral Phase.
  • The Pharyngeal Phase.
  • The Oesophageal Phase.

What are the 3 stages of deglutition?

Deglutition

  • Deglutition is the transport of a bolus of food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
  • Deglutition is divided into three phases: oropharyngeal, esophageal, and gastroesophageal.
  • Once the food bolus reaches the pharynx, the involuntary pharyngeal phase begins.

What is the function of gag reflex?

The gag reflex is a protective response that prevents oral contents from entering the throat except as part of normal swallowing and helps prevent choking.

What are the causes of deglutition apnea?

Abstract. Swallow apnea designates the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing during which respiration ceases. Abnormal swallowing in this phase is caused by a disturbance of the food transport and/or a disturbance of the closures of the lower airway.

What causes delayed swallowing reflex?

Disturbances of the brain such as those caused by Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) Oral or pharynx muscle dysfunction such as from a stroke. Loss of sphincter muscle relaxation (termed “achalasia”)

Who controls the deglutition?

The swallowing center in the medulla oblongata initiates the deglutition reflex and causes progressive contraction of the pharyngeal muscles to continue to propel the food bolus. The pharyngeal phase is controlled by cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, and XII.

What is deglutition physiology?

The process of swallowing, also known as deglutition, involves the movement of substances from the mouth (oral cavity) to the stomach via the pharynx and esophagus.

Which nerve is responsible for swallowing?

The glossopharyngeal nerve enervates muscles involved in swallowing and taste. Lesions of the ninth nerve result in difficulty swallowing and disturbance of taste. The vagus nerve enervates the gut (gastrointestinal tract), heart and larynx.

Can sleep apnea cause swallowing issues?

Background: The swallowing reflex is well coordinated with breathing patterns in normal humans. However, patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may have a swallowing disorder that reflects the abnormal function of nerves and muscles in the suprapharynx.

How can I improve my swallowing reflex?

As example, you may be asked to:

  1. Inhale and hold your breath very tightly.
  2. Pretend to gargle while holding your tongue back as far as possible.
  3. Pretend to yawn while holding your tongue back as far as possible.
  4. Do a dry swallow, squeezing all of your swallowing muscles as tightly as you can.

What neurological disorders cause difficulty swallowing?

Neurological conditions that can cause swallowing difficulties are: stroke (the most common cause of dysphagia); traumatic brain injury; cerebral palsy; Parkinson disease and other degenerative neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis.