Question

Which of the following actions is not involved in the process of swallowing

• A. The soft palate is objected
• B. The larynx gets raised
• C. The tongue forces the food back into the pharynx
• D. The epiglottis closes oesophagus.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The correct options are
A The soft palate is objected
B The larynx gets raised
D The epiglottis closes oesophagus.

The food is masticated to form a bolus, which is then passed down the oropharynx by the tongue and other muscles into the lower part of the pharynx. This step requires the voluntary elevation of the soft palate in order to prevent food from entering the nose. The food is then further pushed back into the pharynx and the esophagus rhythmic and involuntary contractions of several muscles in the back of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. During this phase, there is involuntary closure of the larynx by the epiglottis and vocal cords, and the temporary inhibition of breathing to prevent food from going down the windpipe. So, the epiglottis closes the windpipe, the soft palate gets raised and the larynx gets objected during the process of swallowing. So, the correct options are 'The soft palate is objected, The larynx gets raised and The epiglottis closes oesophagus'.