Deglución

Deglución is the medical term for swallowing. It is a complex physiological process that enables the passage of food, liquid, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. This intricate action involves a coordinated sequence of voluntary and involuntary muscle movements in the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus. The process is essential for nutrition, hydration, and airway protection.

The act of swallowing can be broadly divided into four phases: the oral preparatory phase, the oral propulsive phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. During the oral preparatory phase, food is chewed and mixed with saliva, forming a bolus. In the oral propulsive phase, the tongue moves the bolus towards the back of the mouth. The pharyngeal phase is an involuntary reflex where the soft palate elevates, the epiglottis covers the airway, and the pharyngeal muscles propel the bolus down the pharynx. Finally, the esophageal phase involves the peristaltic movement of the esophagus to transport the bolus to the stomach.

Disruptions to any of these phases can lead to dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia can result from various causes, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, or aging. Impaired deglución can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration (inhaling food or liquid into the lungs), and pneumonia. Assessment and management of deglución disorders are crucial for maintaining a person's health and quality of life.