Anatomy of Swallowing

Question 1

What are the three phases of swallowing?

Answer 1

Oral phase (voluntary)

Pharyngeal phase (involuntary)

Oesophageal phase (involuntary)

Question 2

Which muscles breakdown food and which cranial nerve are they innvervated by?

Answer 2

Masticatory muscles

CN V3

Question 3

Which muscle is involved in creating the labial seal?

Answer 3

Orbicularis oris

Question 4

Which muscle is involved in tightening the cheeks?

Answer 4

Buccinator

Question 5

Which cranial nerve innervates the extrinsix and intrinsic tingue muscles?

Answer 5

CN XII

Question 6

Which cranial nerve innverates the soft palate?

Answer 6

CN X

Question 7

Which type of epithelium makes up the palatal rugae?

Answer 7

Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

Question 8

How long does the pharyngeal phase typically last?

Answer 8

< 1 second

Question 9

What is the upper oesophageal sphincter named?

Answer 9

Cricopharyngeus

Question 10

How long does the oesophageal phase typically last?

Answer 10

8-20 seconds

Question 11

Which cranial nerves make up the pharyngeal plexus?

Answer 11

CN IX and CN X

Question 12

Which cranial nerve innervates the sensory component of the gag reflex?

Answer 12

CN IX (glossopharyngeal)

Question 13

Which cranial nerves innervate the motor component of the gag reflex?

Answer 13

CN IX, CN X, CN XII