Swallowing

[Mercedes Benzene]

I just have a quick question with regards to the process of swallowing food/liquids. Under normal circumstances, we control when we swallow.

 

Is it possible however, for us to swallow without thinking about doing it; for instance, when we are asleep? If so, what part of the brain would control this?

[CraigD]

Under normal circumstances, we control when we swallow.

 

Is it possible however, for us to swallow without thinking about doing it; for instance, when we are asleep? If so, what part of the brain would control this?

Like nearly all animals, we humans swallow in our sleep.

 

Swallowing is coordinated by the brain stem. A person with no forebrain, and hence no ability to think in the usual sense, can swallow and digest food and liquids normally, although they can’t feed themselves, or adequately avoid aspirating food and liquids.

 

Swallowing itself is primarily reflexive, and is neurologically similar to Peristalsis, a neurologically “local activity”. In principle, one could remove an esophagus from the body entirely, and, for at least a brief period, it would still swallow when presented with food or liquids. Because it is reflexive, one has a limited ability to resist swallowing – solids or liquids forced past the epiglottis trigger either involuntary gagging or swallowing.

[Mercedes Benzene]

I see.

Thank you very much.