Swallowing Anatomy and Physiology

• Nervous system control for swallowing
• Influence of bolus characteristics on swallowing
• Methods for studying swallowing
• Swallowing disorders

Objectives

• Explain how nervous system control for speech and swallowing is similar and how it is different
• Briefly describe central nervous system control for swallowing, including the voluntary and involuntary parts of the swallow
• Explain how consistency and volume of the bolus affect swallowing
• Describe how endocscopy, videofluoroscopy, ultrasound, and manometry are used to study swallowing
• List several causes of dysphagia

Resources

• Swallowing disorders
• Swallowing patterns identified with dysphagia
• Swallowing disorders in adults (ASHA)
• Understanding the modified barium swallow
• Dysphagia (ENT website)