Neelamisprotsessi

Neelamisprotsessi, often translated as the swallowing process, is a complex neuromuscular event involving a coordinated sequence of muscle contractions and relaxations. This process enables the safe and efficient transport of food, liquid, or medication from the mouth to the stomach. It is broadly divided into three distinct phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase.

The oral phase, which is voluntary, begins with the preparation of food or liquid in the mouth, including chewing and mixing with saliva. The tongue then forms a bolus and propels it backward towards the pharynx. The pharyngeal phase is largely involuntary and is triggered when the bolus reaches the pharynx. This phase involves rapid and intricate movements, including the elevation of the soft palate to prevent nasal regurgitation, the closure of the airway by the epiglottis, and the contraction of pharyngeal constrictor muscles to push the bolus down. The esophageal phase is also involuntary. Once the bolus enters the esophagus, peristalsis, a wave-like muscular contraction, carries it down to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent reflux.

Disruptions in any phase of the neelamisprotsessi can lead to dysphagia, a medical term for difficulty swallowing. Causes of dysphagia are varied and can include neurological conditions, structural abnormalities, or muscle weakness. Effective management of dysphagia often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving speech-language pathologists, physicians, and dietitians, to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent aspiration, which is the entry of foreign material into the airway.