This paper is a discussion of the mechanisms of normal swallowing based on studies undertaken by the author and on a review of the literature.
The afferent impulse in the deglutitive reflex is conveyed to multiple synapses via the solitary nucleus in the medulla oblongata, and is them conveyed to the medullary reticular formation. The efferent impulse from the central nervous system activates the internal laryngeal muscles, the intra- and suprahyoid muscles and the pharyngeal constrictor muscles according to predetermined programming.
