Nokea
The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is ______ , which is controlled by ______ muscle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is an involuntary process, meaning it occurs automatically without conscious control. This phase involves the contraction of skeletal muscles in the pharynx to propel the food bolus towards the esophagus. Skeletal muscles are under voluntary control, but in the context of swallowing, the pharyngeal phase is involuntary. Thus, the correct answer is C: involuntary; skeletal.
Choice A (involuntary; smooth) is incorrect because smooth muscles are not typically involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Choice B (voluntary; smooth) is incorrect because the pharyngeal phase is not under voluntary control, and smooth muscles are not the primary muscles involved. Choice D (voluntary; skeletal) is incorrect because the pharyngeal phase is involuntary and skeletal muscles, not smooth muscles, are responsible for the muscle contractions during this phase.