During the late phase of the swallowing process, the approach of the bolus triggers the opening of the weak ________, and the bolus then continues into the stomach.
A) lower esophageal sphincter
B) pyloric sphincter
C) pharyngeal constrictor
D) glottis
E) ileocecal valve

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lower esophageal sphincter is the weak muscle that opens during the late phase of swallowing, allowing the bolus to enter the stomach. The pyloric sphincter is located at the bottom of the stomach and controls the flow of food into the small intestine. The pharyngeal constrictor muscles help move the bolus through the pharynx during swallowing. The glottis is the opening between the vocal cords in the larynx that allows air to enter the trachea during breathing. The ileocecal valve is located at the junction of the small and large intestines and regulates the flow of material between them.

During the Late Phase of the Swallowing Process, the Approach