DEGLUTINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Deglutination is a term used in the field of medicine, particularly in relation to the digestive system. It refers to the process of swallowing food or fluid, where the material travels from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus. This act of deglutinating is a coordinated process that involves the contraction and relaxation of various muscles, as well as the closing and opening of specialized structures that facilitate passage.
The process of deglutination begins when the tongue pushes the chewed food or liquid bolus backward toward the pharynx. The soft palate then rises and closes off the nasopharynx, preventing food or fluid from entering the nasal cavity. The larynx rises to close off the entry into the trachea, ensuring that the bolus passes into the esophagus and not the windpipe. The epiglottis also helps in protecting the airway by covering the entrance to the trachea.
Once the bolus reaches the lower end of the pharynx, the upper esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the food or fluid to enter the esophagus. Muscle contractions, known as peristalsis, then propel the swallowed material downward, through the esophagus, and into the stomach, where further digestion and absorption occur.
Deglutination is an essential and automatic process that enables the body to receive nutrition and hydration. Any disruptions or abnormalities in the deglutination process can lead to difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia), which can manifest as choking, coughing, regurgitation, or even malnutrition due to inadequate intake. Various medical interventions, such as swallowing therapy or surgical procedures, may be employed to address these issues and restore normal deglutination function.
Common Misspellings for DEGLUTINATION
- seglutination
- xeglutination
- ceglutination
- feglutination
- reglutination
- eeglutination
- dwglutination
- dsglutination
- ddglutination
- drglutination
- d4glutination
- d3glutination
- deflutination
- devlutination
- deblutination
- dehlutination
- deylutination
- detlutination
- degkutination
Etymology of DEGLUTINATION
The word "deglutination" is derived from the Latin term "deglutinare", which means "to swallow down". The Latin word is a combination of the prefix "de-", meaning "down", and the verb "glutinare", meaning "to glue" or "to stick". Therefore, "deglutination" refers to the process of swallowing, particularly the movement of food or liquid down the esophagus and into the stomach.
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