These muscles are all under the control of a group of nerves called your cranial nerves.
Several of the cranial nerves are involved with controlling the coordination and movements involved in chewing and swallowing.
These centers include areas located in the cerebral cortex, themedulla oblongata, and the cranial nerve nuclei.
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Information from these areas converges in the swallowing center in the medulla, which is part of the brainstem.
Apart from the brain, nerve signals originating in the mouth receive input about the food we are chewing.
This closing off of the “windpipe” prevents food and liquid particles from entering the lungs.
Lastly, malnutrition and dehydration may occur as a result of swallowing difficulties.
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