Normal swallowing physiology

Normal swallowing is a physiological process in which liquid or solid substances arrive from mouth to stomach. Many anatomical structures participate in swallowing. This process is divided into four distinct phases: oral preparatory phase, oral propulsive phase, pharyngeal phase, and esophageal phase. Neurological control of the swallowing process involves a complex neuronal network with both voluntary and reflex components. Anomalies in this process lead to life-threatening situations, with impairment of both the digestive and respiratory functions. Understanding the normal physiology of swallowing is fundamental to evaluating and treating its disorders.