To illustrate the pharyngeal phase, consider what happens when you take another bite. Focus on what happens after everything is chewed and you are ready to swallow. What happens?

1. Hold your breath (for a split second)

2. Swallow is triggered

3. Food “goes down”

4. Remember all the things that happen the instant a swallow is triggered:

Larynx elevates

Vocal folds close

Epiglottis flips to protect the airway