Читать книгу The Esophagus - Группа авторов - Страница 112

A swallow can be initiated by volition during eating or drinking. However, swallows also occur involuntarily, when saliva or respiratory secretions accumulate in the pharynx [1]. Sensory information for initiation of reflexive swallows is transmitted through the superior laryngeal, glossopharyngeal, and recurrent laryngeal nerves [2]. Swallowing occurs about 600 times a day, mainly while awake and during eating, and to a lesser extent (50 swallows) while asleep [3]. Central control of striated muscles in the oropharynx, UES, and upper esophagus is integrated with intrinsic control mechanisms in the distal smooth muscle esophagus and the LES. In both locations, sensory information is integrated with motor function such that swallowing seamlessly follows mastication and propulsion of the bolus into the pharynx.