Nyeléskor

Nyeléskor refers to the act of swallowing in Hungarian. It is a complex physiological process involving multiple muscle groups and cranial nerves, essential for the transfer of food, liquid, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. The process can be broadly divided into three stages: oral preparatory, oral transit, and pharyngeal.

The oral preparatory stage involves the manipulation of food or liquid in the mouth, including chewing or mixing with saliva. This is a voluntary phase where the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles work together. Once the bolus is prepared, the oral transit stage begins. This is also largely voluntary and involves the tongue propelling the bolus towards the back of the mouth.

The pharyngeal stage is the most critical and is primarily involuntary. When the bolus reaches the pharynx, a series of reflexes are triggered. The soft palate elevates to prevent nasal regurgitation, the epiglottis covers the opening of the larynx (trachea), and the vocal cords close to protect the airway. The pharyngeal constrictor muscles then contract to propel the bolus down into the esophagus.

Finally, the esophageal stage involves the passage of the bolus down the esophagus to the stomach through peristalsis, a wave-like muscular contraction. Any disruption in this coordinated sequence can lead to dysphagia, a medical term for difficulty swallowing. This can manifest as coughing, choking, or a sensation of food getting stuck. Dysphagia can stem from various causes, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, or age-related changes.