Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

Anatomy & Physiology

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

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3: minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

Which muscles act to propel food down the length of the pharynx to the esophagus?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the process of swallowing (deglutition), which involves the coordinated action of muscles in the pharynx to move food from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Understand that the pharynx is divided into three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The muscles involved in propelling food are primarily located in the oropharynx and laryngopharynx.

Recognize the two main groups of muscles in the pharynx: the circular (constrictor) muscles and the longitudinal muscles. The circular muscles are responsible for sequentially constricting the pharynx to push food downward.

Focus on the three pharyngeal constrictor muscles: superior constrictor, middle constrictor, and inferior constrictor. These muscles contract in a wave-like motion (peristalsis) to propel the food bolus toward the esophagus.

Note the role of the longitudinal muscles (stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and palatopharyngeus), which elevate the pharynx and larynx during swallowing to facilitate the movement of food.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pharyngeal Muscles

The pharyngeal muscles are a group of muscles located in the throat that play a crucial role in swallowing. They include the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictors, which contract sequentially to push food down from the pharynx into the esophagus. This coordinated action is essential for the safe and efficient movement of food during the swallowing process.

Swallowing Mechanism

The swallowing mechanism, or deglutition, involves a complex series of actions that begin with the voluntary phase of pushing food to the back of the mouth, followed by the involuntary phase where the pharyngeal muscles contract. This process ensures that food is directed into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the airway. Understanding this mechanism is vital for comprehending how food is propelled through the pharynx.

Esophageal Sphincters

Esophageal sphincters, particularly the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), play a key role in the swallowing process by controlling the passage of food from the pharynx into the esophagus. The UES relaxes during swallowing to allow food to enter the esophagus and then closes to prevent backflow. This function is critical for maintaining a one-way flow of food and preventing aspiration.