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Anatomy and physiology of pediatric swallowing disorders
1Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
Insights
Understanding pediatric swallowing disorders requires knowledge of how the swallowing mechanism matures from infancy through childhood. This review details the anatomy, neurology, and physiology of swallowing in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Swallowing (deglutition) is a complex physiological process vital for nutrition and hydration.
- The anatomy and neural control of swallowing undergo significant maturation from neonates to older children.
- Understanding this developmental trajectory is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric swallowing disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key anatomical structures involved in pediatric swallowing.
- To elucidate the neurologic control mechanisms governing the swallowing reflex in children.
- To describe the physiological changes in swallowing during childhood development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anatomical and physiological studies on pediatric swallowing.
- Synthesis of information on the neurodevelopment of the swallowing mechanism.
- Analysis of age-related changes in swallowing physiology.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the oropharyngeal structures and their functional development.
- Explanation of the central and peripheral nervous system's role in coordinating swallow.
- Identification of critical physiological milestones in the maturation of swallowing.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric swallowing is a dynamic process influenced by anatomical and neurological maturation.
- A thorough understanding of this developmental process is essential for addressing pediatric dysphagia.
- This review provides a foundational resource for clinicians and researchers in the field.
Abstract:
The anatomy and physiology of the act of swallowing is complex. Because the swallowing mechanism matures with age, it is important to understand this maturation process from neonate to older child to appreciate the impact of this changing physiology on pediatric swallowing disorders. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, neurologic control mechanism, and physiology of swallowing in neonates and children.