Chapter 1A: Anatomy of Swallowing

The process of swallowing begins when the sensory system first experiences the food or beverage. The visual and olfactory senses combined with past experience with a particular substance, help ready the system for the entry of the food or liquid into the oral cavity. The food or liquid is then prepared into a bolus and transported from the oral cavity through the pharynx and esophagus where it enters into the stomach. At that time, nutrients are extracted from the bolus as it journeys through the small and large intestines. Eventually, the remaining waste is eliminated from the body. This chapter will focus on the anatomy and physiology needed for the safe and efficient passage of food and liquid from the lips to the cervical esophagus.