How is the tongue movement described in the oral preparatory phase?

• A. Anterior movement toward the teeth
• B. Posterior movement toward the pharynx
• C. Aboral movement to the base of the tongue
• D. Lateral movement to the sides

Answer: (C)

In the oral preparatory phase, the tongue acts to gather and shape the food into a cohesive bolus by pressing it against the palate and sealing the lips. The movement is largely backward, or aboral, toward the back of the mouth, toward the base of the tongue, so the bolus is positioned for the next stage of swallowing. This posterior action is essential for forming a stable bolus rather than spattering the food toward the teeth or to the sides. The swallow proper then follows, with the bolus moving from the base of the tongue into the pharynx.