or deglutition
Act that moves food from the mouth to the stomach.
The tongue pushes liquid or chewed food mixed with saliva into the pharynx . palate rises to close off the nasal cavity; the larynx rises and the epiglottis covers the trachea , interrupting breathing. Pressure in the mouth and pharynx pushes food toward the esophagus , whose upper sphincter opens to let food in and closes to prevent backflow. Breathing resumes as the larynx lowers. As peristalsis pushes food to the stomach , the lower esophageal sphincter opens and then closes to prevent reflux. Painful swallowing is usually caused by inflammation ; other problems are caused by blockage or disorders affecting the motions of swallowing.