The oral preparatory phase involves what actions?

The oral preparatory phase involves what actions?

• A. Mastication and formation of a food bolus
• B. Esophageal peristalsis
• C. Laryngeal elevation
• D. Saliva production only

Answer: (A)

In swallowing, the oral preparatory phase is about getting the food ready for a swallow. This means chewing to break down the material (mastication) and mixing it with saliva to form a cohesive bolus that can be safely moved toward the back of the mouth. Lip closure and tongue control help position the food, but the key action is creating that bolus. Esophageal peristalsis happens later in the esophagus, not in this mouth-based phase. Laryngeal elevation occurs during the pharyngeal phase to protect the airway, not during the oral preparatory stage. Saliva assists with moistening and lubricating the bolus, but the defining activity here is mastication and bolus formation, which is why this option is the best choice.

In swallowing, the oral preparatory phase is about getting the food ready for a swallow. This means chewing to break down the material (mastication) and mixing it with saliva to form a cohesive bolus that can be safely moved toward the back of the mouth. Lip closure and tongue control help position the food, but the key action is creating that bolus. Esophageal peristalsis happens later in the esophagus, not in this mouth-based phase. Laryngeal elevation occurs during the pharyngeal phase to protect the airway, not during the oral preparatory stage. Saliva assists with moistening and lubricating the bolus, but the defining activity here is mastication and bolus formation, which is why this option is the best choice.