[Roentgenologic analysis of deglutition--evaluation of 231 cases]

The act of swallowing, which can be analysed by means of radiologically well-discernible phases, is described and placed in anatomic correlation. Several items are of essential importance for regular swallowing: the ability to close the lips, the isthmus faucium, epipharynx and epiglottis and also the action of the lingual punch and the involuntary phase of the act of swallowing induced thereby. During the first phase--the voluntary oral phase--the bolus is prepared for swallowing and the oral cavity is separated from the oropharyngx by the closed isthmus faucium. In the second--the oropharyngeal phase--the involuntary part of the act of swallowing is triggered and the entrance to the nasopharynx is closed. The bolus gets pressed into the oropharynx. During the last, the pharyngo-oesophageal phase, the bolus enters the cranial part of the oesophagus, while crossing the respiratory tract. This step is secured by several mechanisms against the danger of aspiration. Evidence for the occurrence of physiological aerophagia is supplied.