In the pharyngeal/cricopharyngeal phase, what happens?

• A. The bolus moves through the pharynx toward the upper esophageal sphincter
• B. The bolus enters the stomach
• C. The bolus remains in the oral cavity
• D. The larynx closes completely

Answer: (A)

During the pharyngeal/cricopharyngeal phase, the bolus is propelled through the pharynx toward the upper esophageal sphincter by coordinated pharyngeal contractions. At the same time, the airway is protected as the larynx elevates and seals off the airway, and the cricopharyngeal (upper esophageal) sphincter relaxes to open so the bolus can enter the esophagus. This phase ends when the bolus passes into the esophagus; the esophageal phase then takes over.