DYSPHAGIA-PHASES OF SWALLOWING

SUMMARY

1. Oral preparatory phase: voluntary preparation of food; rotatory jaw movement with lateral tongue movement to position food between the teeth.

2. Oral phase: voluntary phase; AP tongue movement to propel food to the pharynx; soft palate elevation & velopharyngeal port closure to close off the nasal cavity and prevent regurgitation.

3. Pharyngeal phase: reflex phase; aspiration most likely to occur during this phase; soft palate elevation & velopharyngeal port closure; pharyngeal constriction & cricopharyngeal relaxation to facilitate bolus transport into the esophagus.

4. Esophageal phase: reflex phase; esophageal clearance occurs by gravity but requires coordinated peristalsis & relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.