Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology: Implications for Swallowing

Deglutition is a complicated neuromuscular process that requires a complex level of communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems, and which results in highly coordinated actions from the muscles of mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. The actions of the individual muscles involved in deglutition and their cranial nerve innervation for the oral and pharyngeal stages of the swallow are presented. This is followed by a discussion of the research relating to potential areas of breakdown, and the corresponding symptomology, associated with the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing following a stroke.