Query: physiology of swallowing

title: Physiology of swallowing
abstract: The mechanism behind normal swallowing is complex and multifactorial. Due to the close proximity of the pathways of swallowing and respiration, precise coordination between these functions is vital in order to avoid entry of material into the airway and to ensure optimal health and nutrition in general. Swallowing can be divided into three stages: oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal and although initiation of the swallow is often under voluntary control, swallowing is also triggered frequently throughout the day as a reflex action due to the presence of saliva in the oropharynx. Dysphagia is a symptom frequently encountered by clinicians and its causes are vast and varied. A thorough understanding of the physiology of swallowing remains necessary to conduct a full assessment and instigate appropriate treatment for these patients in whom dysphagia is often debilitating and may significantly affect their quality of life. We present an account of the physiology of swallowing, using clinical examples to illustrate certain aspects.

title: Physiology of Swallowing
abstract: The upper digestive tract, consisting of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx supports the physiology of swallowing in addition to respiration, phonation and articulation  To carry out each of these functions and for the rapid shifts between them, the upper aerodigestive tract has a series of valves that are tuned differently for each function

title: Anatomy and physiology of swallowing process

title: Physiology of Swallowing

title: Surgical anatomy and physiology of swallowing
abstract: Deglutition, the act of swallowing, is an extremely complex process involving approximately 50 pairs of muscles and nerves that are responsible for preparing and transferring food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. A problem with any of these structures can lead to dysphagia and a decrease in the quality of life in patients suffering from it. To successfully diagnose and treat dysphagia, a thorough understanding of deglutition is essential. The anatomy and physiology of the swallowing process is reviewed as it pertains to operative approach and technique.

title: Functional Anatomy and Physiology of Swallowing and Esophageal Motility

title: Clinical Physiology of swallowing Mechanism

title: The physiology of swallowing
abstract: SWallowing occurs as an orderly physiological process that transports saliva or ingested material from the mouth to the stomach. This process norraally occurs so smoothly and effortlessly that it belies the complexity of the neuromuscular apparatus that executes the swallowing sequence. GenerIcY, swallowing is considered to be "vo lun ta ry" ause deglutition can be elicited by cerebral inp ut when one thinks "swal low." Most swallows, OWever, particularly those between meals, occur Without conscious input. Swallowing occurs surl~risingly frequently, about once a minute in awake subjects, irrespective of eating [1, 2] This high swallowing rate is elicited by saliva that is pro%eed at a rate of about 0.5 ml/min and must be either swallowed or expectorated [3, 4] The high ~atural rate o f swaltowing leads to about 1000 swallows daily or 3 4 million swallows per ~leeade. During sleep, salivation and swallows virtually cease [5] Clusters of swallows occur during arOUsals from sleep, but swallows seldom occur ~tUring physiological sleep  Although the majority of swallows occur sub.%nsciously in response to salivation, close cluster~r~g of voluntary swallows is evoked consciously i Uring the processes known as " feeding" or eatg. These processes are an essential part of nutrin by which nutrients are gathered and ingested. ring eating, swallowing is associated with inCreased salivation, which acts as a lubricant.

title: Videoradiographic analysis of how carbonated thin liquids and thickened liquids affect the physiology of swallowing in subjects with aspiration on thin liquids.
abstract: To analyze how carbonated thin liquids affected the physiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients.  40 patients were analyzed; 36 were neurologically impaired. During a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing examination the patients had to swallow liquids with the following consistencies three times: thin, thickened and carbonated. The liquids were given in doses of 3 x 5 ml. The swallows were analyzed regarding penetration/aspiration, pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal retention.  Significant difference was found regarding penetration/aspiration when comparisons were made between thin liquid and carbonated thin liquid (p<0.0001) Carbonated liquid reduced the penetration to the airways. The comparison between thin liquid and thickened liquid (p<0.0001) showed significant less penetration with thickened liquids. Pharyngeal transit time was reduced both when comparing thin liquid with thin carbonated liquid (p<0.0001) and thickened liquid (p<0.0001) Pharyngeal retention was significantly reduced (p<0.0001) with carbonated thin liquid compared to thickened liquid. The comparison of thin liquids and carbonated thin liquids showed p=0.0013, thin and thickened liquids p=0.0097.  Carbonated liquids reduced penetration/aspiration into the airways, reduced pharyngeal retention and pharyngeal transit time became shorter. Therefore, carbonated liquids are a valuable treatment option for patients with penetration/aspiration. Thickened liquids may still be an option for patients who cannot tolerate carbonated liquids and liquids with this consistency are safer than thin liquids.

title: Videoradiographic analysis of how carbonated thin liquids and thickened liquids affect the physiology of swallowing in subjects with aspiration on thin liquids
abstract: To analyze how carbonated thin liquids affected the physiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients.  40 patients were analyzed; 36 were neurologically impaired. During a therapeutic videoradiographic swallowing examination the patients had to swallow liquids with the following consistencies three times: thin, thickened and carbonated. The liquids were given in doses of 3 x 5 ml. The swallows were analyzed regarding penetration/aspiration, pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal retention.  Significant difference was found regarding penetration/aspiration when comparisons were made between thin liquid and carbonated thin liquid (p<0.0001) Carbonated liquid reduced the penetration to the airways. The comparison between thin liquid and thickened liquid (p<0.0001) showed significant less penetration with thickened liquids. Pharyngeal transit time was reduced both when comparing thin liquid with thin carbonated liquid (p<0.0001) and thickened liquid (p<0.0001) Pharyngeal retention was significantly reduced (p<0.0001) with carbonated thin liquid compared to thickened liquid. The comparison of thin liquids and carbonated thin liquids showed p 0.0013, thin and thickened liquids p 0.0097.  Carbonated liquids reduced penetration/aspiration into the airways, reduced pharyngeal retention and pharyngeal transit time became shorter. Therefore, carbonated liquids are a valuable treatment option for patients with penetration/aspiration. Thickened liquids may still be an option for patients who cannot tolerate carbonated liquids and liquids with this consistency are safer than thin liquids.