10. Oral Functions 4 (Reflexes and Speech)

Question 1

Definition of swallowing

Answer 1

Process by which accumulated food bolus is transported through the lower pharynx and oesophagus to the stomach

Question 2

Functions of swallowing (2)

Answer 2

Feeding function
Protective function (prevents foodstuffs entering lower airway)

Question 3

Stages of swallowing (3)

Answer 3

Oral/buccal stage
Pharyngeal stage
Oesophageal stage

Question 4

Features of oral/buccal swallowing stage (2)

Answer 4

Voluntary

Bolus pushed into oropharynx

Question 5

Features of pharyngeal swallowing stage (2)

Answer 5

Involuntary

Uvula and epiglottis block respiratory tract

Question 6

Features of oesophageal swallowing stage

Answer 6

Involuntary

Question 7

Oral enzymes used to breakdown foodstuffs (2)

Answer 7

Lingual lipase

Salivary amylase

Question 8

Process of swallowing liquids (3)

Answer 8

Liquids are gathered on tongue, anterior to pillars of fauces
Mouth separated from pharynx by a posterior oral seal
Bolus then propelled from tongue through the hypo-pharynx into oesophagus

Question 9

Process of swallowing solids (3)

Answer 9

Chewed food accumulates on pharyngeal part of tongue and oro-pharynx
No true posterior oral seal
Bolus then propelled from tongue through the hypo-pharynx into oesophagus

Question 10

Process of mid-sequence swallow

Answer 10

Material swallowed from the oropharyngeal surface of the tongue

Question 11

Process of end-sequence swallow

Answer 11

Material moved into hypo-pharynx from both oral and oropharyngeal tongue surfaces

Question 12

Events of swallowing (3)

Answer 12

Propulsion of food
Prevention of reflux
Protection of airway

Question 13

How is reflux prevented (5)

Answer 13

Elevation of soft palate
Tongue (sides) contact pillars of fauces
Tongue (dorsum) contacts posterior pharyngeal wall
Upper oesophageal sphincter
Lower oesophageal sphincter

Question 14

How can stomach acid erode teeth (4)

Answer 14

Reflux
Vomiting
Regurgitation
Rumination

Question 15

Definition of attrition

Answer 15

Tooth wear caused by contact between occluding teeth (Bruxism/parafunction)

Question 16

Most common presentation of tooth wear

Answer 16

Combined lesion involving erosion and abrasion

Question 17

Definition of abfraction

Answer 17

Stress lesions
Wedged-shaped notches caused by flexure and ultimate material fatigue of susceptible teeth at locations away from points of loading (cervical regions)

Question 18

What does abfraction depend on (4)

Answer 18

Magnitude of occlusal forces
Frequency of occlusal forces
Duration of occlusal forces
Location of occlusal forces

Question 19

How is the airway protected (4)

Answer 19

Upper/forward movement of larynx
Closure of laryngeal inlet
Adduction of vocal folds
Stopping breathing (apnoea)

Question 20

Definition of dysphasia (aphasia)

Answer 20

Specific language disorder involving damage to particular parts of the brain

Question 21

Definition of dysphagia

Answer 21

Swallowing problem

Question 22

Definition of dysarthria

Answer 22

Difficulty speaking caused by problems with muscles used in speech (due to NM defects)

Question 23

Oral causes of language and speech defects (6)

Answer 23

Malocclusions
Loss of teeth
Denture-related (thick base)
Cleft lip/palate (nasal speech)
Tongue-related (tongue tie, partial atrophy)
Xerostomia

Question 24

Definition of consonants

Answer 24

Partial/complete stoppage of airflow

Question 25

Types of consonants (3)

Answer 25

Fricatives (escape of air through constriction - S, V)
Plosives (sudden release after complete stoppage of airflow - P, B)
Nasals (air flows through nose - M, N)

Question 26

Definition of vowel

Answer 26

Continuous airflow