Deglutition

Definition

Deglutition is the process of swallowing, which involves moving food or liquid from the mouth through the pharynx and into the esophagus. It encompasses a complex sequence of voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions.

Related terms

Pharynx:

A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus and serves as a pathway for food and air.

Esophagus:

A muscular tube that conveys food from the pharynx down to the stomach via peristaltic movements.

Peristalsis:

The series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract