Laryngeal Initiation Of Swallowing.

Abstract A wide range of mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli were applied to the epiglottis and larynx of decerebrate cats to determine the adequate stimulus (or stimuli) and most responsive sites for swallowing. Water was the most effective stimulus in eliciting swallowing from epiglottis, glottis and internal surface of the larynx. The glottis was the most effective site for the initiation of the reflex. The initiation of swallowing from the epiglottis and larynx is water specific; it is not due to mechanical or osmotic effects. The water effect is facilitated, however, by flow of the water over the receptive fields. Swallowing initiated from sites innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve may serve to guard the larynx from invasion by saliva and liquid bolus residues or clear the larynx of secretions wafted up from the trachea and bronchi.