A biomechanical response of the esophagus participates in swallowing

Abstract

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing includes increased circumferential tension of the cervical esophagus during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing (CTPP). The CTPP is a biomechanical response caused by elongation of the esophagus during laryngeal elevation, and is not caused by muscle contraction or mediated by the nervous system. The CTPP may assist in the distal movement of boluses before activation of the esophageal phase of swallowing, and may serve to prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux.