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The tongue is involved in the swallowing reflex insofar as it raises voluntarily to force food backward toward the pharnyx, where reflex action takes over in which the larynx is closed by the epiglottis and the nasal passages are closed by the soft palate so that food does not enter into the trachea. Food then moves down the esophagus by peristalsis and gravity.

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Why cant the tongue be swallowed?

The tongue is attached to the bottom of the mouth by the lingual frenulum, which prevents it from being swallowed. Additionally, the swallowing reflex is controlled by the brain to prevent this from happening.


Is swallowing a reflex or instinct?

Swallowing is a reflex.


What is the muscular organ responsible for initiating deglutition?

The tongue is the muscular organ responsible for initiating deglutition, or swallowing. It helps to move food towards the back of the mouth and into the pharynx, which then triggers the swallowing reflex.


Which structure helps move food to the pharynx?

The pharynx is the area immediately behind the mouth and nasal cavity before the oesophagus. The tongue is used to push the food towards the back of the throat to initiate the swallowing reflex. Swallowing reflex is initiated by touch receptors in the pharynx as a bolus of food is pushed to the back of the mouth by the tongue. Tongue


What is the involuntary reflex during swallowing?

the tongue rolling the bolus into the pharynx


Swallowing a reflex action?

Yes, swallowing is a reflex action of which there are three phases. These are the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase and the esophageal phase.


Is the larynx involved in the swallowing reflex?

No, your larynx is used for speech purposes; it contains your vocal chords. The main swallowing mechanism is your esophagus with help from the epiglottis (the flap that covers up your windpipe, keeping things from slipping into your bronchial tubes and lungs)


Mobile organ that initiates swallowing?

The tongue. The tongue.


What is the effector in a gag reflex?

The effector in a gag reflex is the contraction of muscles involved in swallowing, including the pharyngeal muscles in the throat. These muscle contractions help to expel any foreign objects that stimulate the back of the throat, triggering the gag reflex.


What prevents food from going into your throat?

Food normally goes in your throat when you swallow. A coordinated swallow reflex, controlled partially by the tongue, helps you control the timing of swallowing.


What is infantile swallowing and how is it different from regular swallowing?

Infantile swallowing refers to the swallowing pattern seen in infants, where the tongue moves forward in a sucking motion to transfer liquids or soft foods to the back of the mouth. In contrast, regular swallowing involves a more complex and coordinated movement of the tongue, soft palate, and throat muscles to propel the food or liquid into the esophagus. Infantile swallowing is a developmental stage that typically transitions to adult-like swallowing patterns as a child grows.


What does the central nervous system have to do with swallowing?

Swallowing involves the central nervous system and is a reflex.