"Hidden in Plain Sight": A Descriptive Review of Laryngeal Vestibule Closure

A major emphasis in the evaluation of swallowing is to identify physiological abnormalities in swallowing that contribute to or explain unsafe swallowing (i.e., ingested material enters the trachea; post-swallow residue in the pharynx). Impairments in laryngeal vestibule closure are widely recognized as one of the major causes of unsafe swallowing, as it is the primary mechanism and first line of defense for preventing material from penetrating the airway during swallowing. However, this complex mechanism is often overlooked and understudied in swallowing research and dysphagia management. The purpose of this review is to promote a better understanding of the mechanism of laryngeal vestibule closure. We discuss where gaps in research exist and propose future directions for incorporating laryngeal vestibule closure as a primary outcome measure in swallowing research. Additionally, we propose that an increased knowledge of the mechanism of laryngeal vestibule closure will increase diagnostic accuracy and optimize dysphagia management for patients with dysphagia.