During the esophageal phase, motor control has contributions from which nerve and which plexus?

• A. Vagus nerve and myoenteric plexus
• B. Hypoglossal nerve and submucosal plexus
• C. Glossopharyngeal nerve and submucosal plexus
• D. Trigeminal nerve and myoenteric plexus

Answer: (A)

The esophageal phase relies on the enteric nervous system to generate coordinated propulsion, with the myoenteric (Auerbach) plexus driving the rhythmic contractions of the esophagus. This plexus sits between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers and directly coordinates peristaltic waves and tone along the esophagus. Extrinsic modulation comes from the vagus nerve, which provides parasympathetic input to the esophagus and helps time and strengthen the peristaltic sequence in response to the swallow.

The submucosal (Meissner) plexus mainly controls secretions and local blood flow rather than motor propulsion, so it’s not the primary driver of esophageal movement. Other nerves listed primarily serve different regions or functions (tongue, pharynx, or general facial sensation) and do not form the main motor control for the esophagus.