The normal swallow: muscular and neurophysiological control

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2013 Dec;46(6):937-56. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2013.09.006. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

Swallowing is a complex physiologic function that involves precisely coordinated movements within the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. This article reviews the anatomy, muscular control, and neurophysiological control of normal, healthy swallowing.

Keywords: Anatomy; Deglutition; Dysphagia; Neurophysiology; Physiology; Swallowing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiology
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Esophagus* / anatomy & histology
  • Esophagus* / innervation
  • Esophagus* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mouth* / anatomy & histology
  • Mouth* / innervation
  • Mouth* / physiology
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System / physiology
  • Pharynx* / anatomy & histology
  • Pharynx* / innervation
  • Pharynx* / physiology