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==Introduction==
Deglutition is the process of swallowing. Food is passed from the [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oral pharynx]] into the oesophageal/[[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology#Laryngeal Pharynx|laryngeal]] [[Pharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|pharynx]] whilst the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology#Epiglottis|epiglottis]] closes across the entrance of the [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]].
It is an involuntary reflex preventing food from passing into the [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]] and thus preventing choking and respiratory pneumonia.
==Process==
[[Mastication|Masticated]] and salivated food is cupped by the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] on its dorsal surface and the tip of the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] pushes dorsally against the [[Soft Palate|soft palate]].
The jaws are closed. The '''mylohyoid''', '''hyoglossal''' and '''stylohyoid''' mucles raise the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and push the bolus into the [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]]. When the food touches the pharyngeal mucosa, the swallowing reflex is initiated.
The [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]] relaxes and the [[Soft Palate|soft palate]] is elevated by the '''levator velli palatini''' muscle. The '''pharyngeopalatine arch''' closes by the '''palatopharyngeus''' action.
The [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid]] is moved rostro-dorsally and the '''pterygopharyngeus''' contracts bringing the common [[Pharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|pharynx]] forward to engulf the bolus. The epiglottis bends back to prevent food entering the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]].
The bolus enters the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology#Laryngeal Pharynx|laryngeal pharynx]] and the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] relaxes. The bolus is passed on down the [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] by a concentric series of contractions by each set of contractor muscle in turn called peristalsis. The '''pharyngeopalatine arch''' reopens and the [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid]] moves back by the geniohyoid. The glottis reopens.
==Links==
'''Click here for more information on [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology]]'''
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[[Category:Feeding Control]]
[[Category:A&P Done]]