Swallowing

Swallowing, known scientifically as deglutition, is the reflex in the human body that makes something pass from the mouth, through the esophagus. If this fails and the object goes through the trachea, then choking occurs if the airway is completely blocked, or pulmonary aspiration occurs if the object is drawn into the lungs. The mechanism for swallowing is co-ordinated by the swallowing centre in the medulla oblongata and pons. The reflex is initiated by touch receptors in the pharynx as a ...