What is deglutition?

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What is deglutition?

Deglutition is swallowing—the coordinated act that moves a food bolus from the mouth through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach. It involves three phases: the oral phase (voluntary, where the tongue pushes the bolus toward the back of the mouth), the pharyngeal phase (involuntary, with airway protection and bolus passage into the esophagus), and the esophageal phase (peristaltic waves pushing the bolus downward). This process is distinct from chewing, which is mastication in the mouth; digestion, which is the chemical breakdown of food; and absorption, which is the uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream. Therefore, deglutition specifically means swallowing.

Deglutition is swallowing—the coordinated act that moves a food bolus from the mouth through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach. It involves three phases: the oral phase (voluntary, where the tongue pushes the bolus toward the back of the mouth), the pharyngeal phase (involuntary, with airway protection and bolus passage into the esophagus), and the esophageal phase (peristaltic waves pushing the bolus downward). This process is distinct from chewing, which is mastication in the mouth; digestion, which is the chemical breakdown of food; and absorption, which is the uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream. Therefore, deglutition specifically means swallowing.

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