svalgsmekanismer

Svalgsmekanismer refer to the complex physiological processes involved in swallowing, also known as deglutition. This involuntary and voluntary action is crucial for moving food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The process can be divided into three distinct phases: the oral preparatory phase, the oral propulsive phase, and the pharyngeal phase.

The oral preparatory phase involves manipulating food in the mouth, chewing it into a bolus, and mixing it with saliva. This phase is largely voluntary. Once the bolus is formed and ready, the oral propulsive phase begins. The tongue propels the bolus towards the pharynx, initiating the swallow.

The pharyngeal phase is the most complex and critical, involving a rapid, involuntary sequence of muscle contractions. The soft palate elevates to prevent nasal regurgitation, the epiglottis covers the larynx to protect the airway, and the pharyngeal muscles constrict to propel the bolus down into the esophagus. Respiration is temporarily inhibited during this phase.

Finally, the esophageal phase is the involuntary movement of the bolus down the esophagus to the stomach via peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscular contractions. Any disruption in these coordinated svalgsmekanismer can lead to dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, which can have significant health implications.