Swallowing is represented by a cascade of reflexes over a series of cranial nerves. The fifth nerve for mastication and the seventh and twelfth for manipulating liquid or food to the jaws and pharynx. The ninth nerve via the stylopharyngus muscle lifts and compresses the pharynx to begin the swallowing. If the objects don’t pass, the 9th nerve activation by food produces gaging with expulsion. The tenth nerve closes the epiglottis and vocal cords with voluntary contraction of the upper 1/3 of striated esophagus muscles. The tenth nerve continues swallowing by activating smooth muscle in the lower 2/3 of the esophagus. The parasympathetic innervation of smooth muscle contractions of the esophagus carries the object to the stomach.

• Swallowing is represented by a cascade of reflexes over a series of cranial nerves. The fifth nerve for mastication and the seventh and twelfth for manipulating liquid or food to the jaws and pharynx. The ninth nerve via the stylopharyngus muscle lifts and compresses the pharynx to begin the swallowing. If the objects don’t pass, the 9th nerve activation by food produces gaging with expulsion. The tenth nerve closes the epiglottis and vocal cords with voluntary contraction of the upper 1/3 of striated esophagus muscles. The tenth nerve continues swallowing by activating smooth muscle in the lower 2/3 of the esophagus. The parasympathetic innervation of smooth muscle contractions of the esophagus carries the object to the stomach.