deglutáció

Deglutition is the complex physiological process of swallowing. It is essential for moving food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach and plays a crucial role in nutrition and hydration. This process involves a coordinated sequence of voluntary and involuntary muscle movements.

The act of swallowing can be broadly divided into three phases: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal. The oral phase is voluntary, where food or liquid is manipulated in the mouth and prepared for swallowing. This involves chewing to break down food and forming a bolus. The tongue then propels the bolus towards the pharynx.

The pharyngeal phase is largely involuntary. The soft palate elevates to close off the nasal cavity, preventing food from entering the nose. The larynx moves upward and forward, and the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, diverting the bolus into the esophagus. Muscles in the pharynx contract to propel the bolus downward.

The final phase, the esophageal phase, is also involuntary. The bolus enters the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach. Peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle contractions, pushes the bolus down the esophagus. At the lower end of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow the bolus to enter the stomach.

Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty with swallowing, which can arise from various neurological or structural conditions affecting any of the stages of deglutition. Problems with swallowing can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway, potentially causing pneumonia.