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The epiglottis closes the opening to the larynx during swallowing. The trachea begins to form in the second month of embryo development, becoming longer and more fixed in its position over time. Its epithelium is lined with column-shaped cells that have hair-like extensions called cilia, with scattered goblet cells that produce protective mucins.
Swallowing comes so easily to most people that the process rarely prompts much thought. However, from the viewpoints of physiology , of speech–language pathology , and of health care for people with difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) , it is an interesting topic with extensive scientific literature .
One reason aspiration can occur is because of failure of the epiglottis to close completely. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] If food or liquid enters the airway due to the epiglottis failing to close properly, throat-clearing or a cough reflex may occur to protect the respiratory system and expel material from the airway.
Waldeyer's tonsillar ring is an anatomical term collectively describing the annular arrangement of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx. Waldeyer's ring circumscribes the naso- and oropharynx, with some of its tonsillar tissue located above and some below the soft palate (and to the back of the oral cavity).
GERD can cause inflammation of the lower esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux, making it hard to swallow. Related: The 7-Day GERD Diet Plan Registered Dietitians Swear By
The opening of larynx into pharynx known as the laryngeal inlet is about 4–5 centimeters in diameter. [1] The larynx houses the vocal cords, and manipulates pitch and volume, which is essential for phonation. It is situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the esophagus.
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Achalasia affects about one person in 100,000 per year. [9] [10] There is no gender predominance for the occurrence of disease. [11] The term is from a-+ -chalasia "no relaxation." Achalasia can also manifest alongside other diseases as a rare syndrome such as achalasia microcephaly. [12]