Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of Swallowing

What is the primary role of the tongue in the process of swallowing?

• To cool down hot food

• To produce saliva

• To move the bolus of food to the posterior part of the oral cavity

• To taste the food

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the movement of the tongue?

• Vagus nerve (Cranial nerve X)

• Trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V)

• Hypoglossal nerve (Cranial nerve XII)

• Facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII)

What is the function of the soft palate during swallowing?

• To produce saliva

• To detect taste

• To separate the nasal cavity from the oral cavity

• To initiate the gag reflex

Which cranial nerves are primarily involved in the swallowing process?

• Accessory nerve (Cranial nerve XI) and Hypoglossal nerve (Cranial nerve XII)

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (Cranial nerve IX) and Vagus nerve (Cranial nerve X)

• Trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V) and Facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII)

• Olfactory nerve (Cranial nerve I) and Optic nerve (Cranial nerve II)

What is the role of the epiglottis in swallowing?

• To produce sound

• To facilitate breathing

• To detect taste

• To act as a shield preventing food from entering the airway

Which of the following muscles plays a key role in the opening of the Eustachian tube during swallowing?

• Tensor veli palatini

• Levator veli palatini

• Stylopharyngeus

• Palatoglossus

What happens to respiration during swallowing?

• It continues normally

• It becomes irregular

• It stops momentarily

• It increases

What is the primary cause of aspiration pneumonia related to swallowing?

• Ingestion of toxic substances

• Food or liquid entering the airway

• Allergic reaction to food

• Overeating

What is the sensory limb of the gag reflex?

• Trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V)

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (Cranial nerve IX)

• Vagus nerve (Cranial nerve X)

• Facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII)

Which muscle is involved in retracting the tongue during swallowing?

• Palatoglossus

• Styloglossus

• Hyoglossus

• Genioglossus