Rediscovering the Groove (Day 2)

Day 2: Answer A Question.

How does one swallow?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  (And thanks for playing along.)

Ever since my 84-year old "Eema" -- or Mum's older sister -- had a stroke a month ago, I've become acutely aware of certain unconscious body movements that I would normally not think about.  My bodily function of interest for today is...the "simple" act of swallowing.

First of all, I thank God that my dear Eema was rushed to the hospital in time.  With an aggressive PT regimen and capable Singaporean doctors, she's making slow but steady progress each day -- re-learning what the right side of her body used to be able to do and, possibly the toughest challenge, realizing that some abilities may never be regained.

While we remain hopeful, she isn't able to swallow.  Dysphagia is what it's called, and until she overcomes it, she gets her nourishment through a feeding tube.  Medicinenet.com describes swallowing as a "complex action" and lists the 8 steps involved:

1. Food is chewed in the mouth and mixed with saliva.
2. Tongue propels chewed food into the throat (pharynx).
3. Soft palate elevates to prevent food from entering nasal passages, while the upper pharynx contracts to push the food into the lower pharynx, and the voice box (larynx) is pulled upwards so that the epiglottis can bend downwards, preventing food from entering the windpipe (trachea).  (What the...)
4. Pharynx contracts to push the food along.
5. Muscle that encircles the upper end of the esophagus relaxes, allowing the wave of contractions to push the food into the esophagus.
6. Wave of contractions continues from the pharynx down the entire length of the esophagus.
7. Another muscle that encircles the lower end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach relaxes so that food can enter the stomach.
8. After the food passes, the lower esophagus muscle tightens to prevent food from coming back up. 

Wow.

Through slurred speech, Eema tells me she dreams about coffee and ice cream and char kway teow (a Singaporean fried noodle dish).  My heart sinks as I join her in a forced chuckle.