OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 11-Feb-2026 | Pages: 78-92 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook172025/78-92
Swallowing is a complex human activity that depends on the precise coordination of the actions of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus, under the control of an integrated neural network. Understanding the physiology and neural regulation of swallowing is crucial for comprehending the fundamental mechanisms that govern this process and for appreciating its inherent complexity. Swallowing is mediated by coordinated interactions between cortical, subcortical, and brainstem structures, which integrate sensory input and generate organised motor output to ensure efficient bolus transport and airway protection. The swallowing sequence is traditionally divided into distinct stages, each characterised by specific food management behaviours. To describe these events, commonly used models of drinking and eating provide complementary frameworks for understanding normal swallowing function and for identifying abnormalities relevant to experimental investigation and clinical management.
Oral cavity, Pharynx, Larynx, Oesophagus, Neural regulation
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