nielemäntaitojen

Nielemätaidot, often translated as swallowing skills or deglutition skills, refers to the complex series of muscular actions that allow for the safe and efficient passage of food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This process involves a coordinated sequence of events that must occur in precise timing. It begins with the oral preparatory phase, where food is manipulated, chewed, and mixed with saliva. This is followed by the oral propulsive phase, where the tongue pushes the bolus of food towards the pharynx. The pharyngeal phase is a critical, involuntary stage where the airway is protected by the elevation of the larynx and closure of the epiglottis, while the pharyngeal constrictor muscles propel the bolus down. Finally, the esophageal phase, also involuntary, involves the relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter and the peristaltic contraction of the esophagus to move the bolus to the stomach and relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Difficulties or disruptions in any of these phases can lead to dysphagia, a medical term for swallowing difficulties, which can have serious consequences such as aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway), malnutrition, and dehydration. Assessment and rehabilitation of nielemätaidot are often undertaken by speech-language pathologists.