The Normal Swallowing Process

Stage 1: The Oral Stage 

Food is placed in the mouth. The process of chewing together with the stimulation of the gums and palate by the movement of food begins some of the reflex activities which take over once the food moves into Stage 2, the pharynx.

Enzymes in the saliva help to form the food into a bolus, which the tongue squeezes into the pharynx by moving up towards the palate.

Stage 2: The Pharyngeal Stage

The larynx lifts up to meet the epiglottis, which lowers, making a seal that prevents material from entering the windpipe. This is important as it stops food or liquid from being aspirated into the lungs. Choking is a reflex action when food or liquid passes into the trachea; it involves a sudden forceful expulsion of air through the larynx to clear the airway.

Stage 3: The Oesophageal Stage

The bolus is passed into the oesophagus by automatic contractions of the pharynx. It then travels to the stomach by gravity and reflex action. This stage of swallowing is entirely automatic and cannot be controlled.

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