Gastrointestinal Assessment Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Assessment Questions related questions and content

What occurs during swallowing?

  • A. All the processes of Deglutition are under voluntary control.
  • B. The vocal folds are relaxed allowing the food to travel down the oesophagus
  • C. The swallowing centre located within the medulla oblongata inhibits the medullary respiratory centre
  • D. The food bolus travels down the oesophagus due to gravity
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during swallowing, the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata inhibits the medullary respiratory center to prevent aspiration. This coordination ensures that breathing is temporarily halted to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because not all processes of deglutition are under voluntary control, the vocal folds actually close to protect the airway during swallowing, and the movement of the food bolus down the esophagus is facilitated by peristalsis rather than gravity.