Initiates when the bolus head reaches any point between the anterior faucial pillars and the point
where the tongue base crosses the lower rim of the mandible
Not always true for adults over 70 and infants. They may initiate from the valleculae.
Sensory receptors in oropharynx and tongue are stimulated, sending sensory information to the
cortex and brainstem to initiate the swallow.
Elevation and retraction of velum (Closes nasopharynx)
Hyolaryngeal excursion - Elevation of hyoid and larynx superiorly and anteriorly
Closure of larynx at 3 levels • True VF adduct • Laryngeal entrance o False VF adduct o Arytenoids
rock medially and forward o Thickening of epiglottis base as larynx elevates • Epiglottis retroflexion
o (Makes contact with arytenoids) o (Hyolaryngeal excursion also helps retroflexion)
Opening of c-p • (Cricopharyngeal sphincter—part of upper esophageal sphincter; opens when it is
relax
Responsible for retroflection of epiglottis and UES opening)