neeldumisest

Neeldumisest is a Finnish term referring to the act of swallowing. It is a complex physiological process involving voluntary and involuntary actions to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This process begins with mastication, or chewing, in the mouth, which breaks down food into smaller, more manageable pieces. Saliva is also produced, which aids in lubrication and the initial stages of digestion.

Once a bolus of food or liquid is formed in the mouth, the tongue pushes it towards the pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth. This triggers the pharyngeal phase, which is largely involuntary. The soft palate rises to block the nasal cavity, preventing food from entering the nose, and the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage, covers the opening of the larynx (windpipe). This ensures that food or liquid passes into the esophagus, the tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

The final stage is the esophageal phase, also involuntary. Peristalsis, a series of muscular contractions, propels the bolus down the esophagus and into the stomach. This entire process is coordinated by the nervous system and requires precise timing of muscle movements. Difficulties with neeldumisest, known as dysphagia, can arise from various medical conditions affecting the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, or the neurological control of swallowing.