The word "deglutitive" is not commonly used but refers to the act of swallowing. It is pronounced as /deɡluːtətɪv/ with stress on the second syllable. The "deglu-" part is derived from Latin "degutire" meaning "to swallow," while "-tive" is a suffix indicating the capacity or ability to perform an action. The spelling of "deglutitive" may be challenging, but knowing the rules of IPA phonetics can make it easier to understand and pronounce.
The term "deglutitive" pertains to the act or process of swallowing, specifically referring to the muscular movements involved in the passage of food or liquids from the mouth through the esophagus and into the stomach. It is derived from the word "deglutition," which is the medical term for swallowing.
In a physiological sense, the deglutitive process is composed of a series of reflexes and coordinated muscle contractions that facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of substances from the oral cavity to the digestive system. This complex mechanism involves the sequential contraction and relaxation of various muscles, including those in the tongue, throat, and esophagus.
The deglutitive process can be divided into three main stages. The oral or voluntary phase involves the initiation of swallowing by the conscious effort of the individual. It is followed by the pharyngeal phase, which is an involuntary reflex triggered by the contact of food or liquid with the back of the throat. During this phase, the soft palate elevates, the epiglottis closes to prevent food from entering the airways, and the muscles of the esophagus contract to propel the substance downwards. Finally, the esophageal phase involves the rhythmic contractions of the esophageal muscles to push the food or liquid into the stomach.
Understanding the deglutitive process is vital in assessing and managing various swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia, which can result from neurological, anatomical, or functional impairments. Effective treatment and rehabilitation techniques aim to restore or compensate for any disruptions in the deglutitive process, ensuring safe and efficient swallowing.
Relating to deglutition.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "deglutitive" is derived from the Latin term "deglutire", which means "to swallow" or "to devour". The suffix "-tive" is added to form an adjective, indicating "of or relating to swallowing". Therefore, "deglutitive" refers to something pertaining to the act of swallowing.