Schluckphase

Schluckphase refers to the act of swallowing, a complex physiological process essential for the passage of food, liquid, or saliva from the mouth to the esophagus and subsequently to the stomach. This voluntary or involuntary action involves a coordinated sequence of muscular contractions and relaxations of the tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. The process can be broadly divided into three phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase.

The oral phase, which can be voluntary, begins with the preparation of food or liquid in the mouth and its formation into a bolus. The tongue then propels this bolus towards the pharynx. The pharyngeal phase, largely involuntary, is triggered by the bolus reaching the pharynx. During this phase, the soft palate elevates to prevent nasal regurgitation, the epiglottis covers the larynx to protect the airway, and the pharyngeal constrictor muscles propel the bolus downwards. Finally, the esophageal phase is an involuntary process where peristaltic waves in the esophageal muscles move the bolus towards the stomach.

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can arise from disruptions in any of these phases and can have various underlying causes, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, or age-related changes. Assessment of the schluckphase is crucial in diagnosing and managing swallowing disorders.