Back to Basics: Typical Swallowing Physiology in Adults

Rik Lemoncello, PhD, CCC/SLP

CEU Q&A

1. Where is a J-tube located?

a. J-tube is inserted into the stomach
b. J-tube is inserted into the large intestine
c. J-tube is inserted into the small intestine
d. J-tube is inserted into the esophagus

2. During which phase of the swallow should you observe a lingual-velar seal to
help prevent posterior spillage of a liquid bolus?
a. Oral preparation phase
b. Oral transit phase
c. Pharyngeal transit phase
d. Esophageal transit phase

3. Which brainstem nucleus is important for generating the motor aspects of

involuntary swallowing phases?
a. nucleus of the solitary tract
b. substantia nigra
c. nucleus accumbens
d. nucleus ambiguus

4. Which of the following is ​NOT​ ​a part of the pharyngeal transit stage of the
swallow?
a. Anterior-posterior propulsion of the bolus to the faucial pillars
b. Velopharyngeal closure
c. Relaxation and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle
d. Contraction of the base of tongue and pharyngeal constrictor muscles

5. Which of the following is ​NOT​ ​associated with typical aging?

a. Reduced somatosensation for touch, taste, and pressures in the oral
cavity.
b. Loss of muscular reserves, making older adults more vulnerable
to dysphagia during other illnesses.
c. Increased incidence of aspiration.
d. Increased incidence of laryngeal penetration.
6. What is the role of saliva in typical swallowing?
a. Saliva helps with bolus preparation as well as chemical digestion.
b. Saliva helps with mechanical and chemical digestion.
c. Saliva helps with timing of the oral transit and pharyngeal transit
phases.
d. Saliva helps the body absorb nutrients from the intestines.

7. Which cranial nerve brings in taste sensation from the anterior portion of the
tongue?
a. CN V (Trigeminal)
b. CN VII (Facial)
c. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
d. CN XII (Hypoglossal)

8. During which phase of typical swallowing do we experience “swallow apnea”?

a. Oral preparation phase
b. Oral transit phase
c. Pharyngeal transit phase
d. Esophageal transit phase

9. Which aspect of laryngeal closure occurs first?

a. Adduction of the false vocal folds
b. Forward rocking movement of the arytenoid cartilages
c. Epiglottic deflection/inversion
d. Adduction of the true vocal folds

10.​ ​What is meant by the term “silent aspiration”?

a. The patient is choking (i.e., not breathing and not speaking).
b. Part of the bolus has entered the patient’s airway, and the patient did
not attempt to cough or clear the airway.
c. Part of the bolus has entered the patient’s upper airway, and the patient
produces a weak throat clear that does not clear the airway.
d. Part of the bolus has entered the patient’s airway, settles into the lungs,
and creates a lung infection.