Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
08:32

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

Published on: March 1, 2015

Deglutition and respiration: development, coordination, and practical implications

Maureen A Lefton-Greif1, Sharon A McGrath-Morrow

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. mlefton@jhmi.edu

Seminars in Speech and Language
|July 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Coordinated swallowing and breathing in infants is vital for lung development. Disruptions can cause aspiration and dysphagia, requiring early identification and intervention for at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Swallowing Disorders

Background:

  • Swallowing (deglutition) and breathing share the pharyngeal pathway.
  • Coordination is critical for infant survival and lung development.
  • Dysfunction can lead to aspiration and lung injury.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the coordination of swallowing and breathing in infants and children.
  • To discuss aspiration risks during lung development.
  • To highlight airway protective mechanisms and identify at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on infant and pediatric deglutition-respiration.
  • Analysis of airway protection and aspiration mechanisms.
  • Discussion of risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia and respiratory disease.

Main Results:

  • Temporal coordination is essential, with shared pharyngeal pathway.
  • Infant dysphagia can cause aspiration and lung injury.
  • Respiratory issues may precipitate swallowing problems.

Conclusions:

  • Identifying infants at risk for dysphagia and respiratory disease is crucial.
  • Early assessment and management are key for optimal outcomes.
  • Understanding the interplay between breathing and swallowing aids intervention.

More Related Videos

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing14:13

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing

Published on: May 6, 2014

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing07:45

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

Published on: December 1, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion01:22

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion

The physiology of the gastrointestinal system begins with ingestion as food enters the mouth.
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Deglutition01:25

Deglutition

Swallowing, otherwise known as deglutition, facilitates the transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a multifaceted process that involves both the tongue and the muscles of the throat and esophagus. Saliva and mucus aid in this process, which takes approximately 4 to 8 seconds for semi-solid or solid food and around 1 second for liquids or very soft food.
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Physiological Control of Respiration01:23

Physiological Control of Respiration

Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Neural Control of Respiration01:18

Neural Control of Respiration

The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles01:21

Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles

The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...