Voluntary phase

Definition

The voluntary phase is the initial stage of swallowing where the tongue pushes the bolus (chewed food) towards the back of the mouth, initiating the swallowing process. This action is consciously controlled by the individual.

Related terms

Bolus: A small rounded mass of chewed food at the moment of swallowing.

Pharyngeal Phase: The second phase of swallowing where the bolus is involuntarily passed from the pharynx to the esophagus.

Esophageal Phase: The final stage of swallowing involving involuntary contractions that move food through the esophagus to the stomach