What does the Mendelsohn maneuver involve?

• A. Holding the larynx at maximal displacement during the swallow
• B. Tipping the head to the side during swallow
• C. Swallowing while exhaling
• D. Pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth

Answer: (A)

A technique used in swallowing therapy aims to prolong the period of laryngeal elevation to keep the upper esophageal sphincter open longer during the swallow. The Mendelsohn maneuver works by having the person hold the larynx in its elevated position at the peak of the swallow for a few seconds, then release. This voluntary hold helps sustain the contraction of surrounding muscles, delaying the return of the larynx to resting position and thereby increasing the duration of cricopharyngeal (upper esophageal sphincter) opening. With the UES staying open longer, bolus passage through the throat improves, pharyngeal residues decrease, and the risk of penetration or aspiration during swallowing can be reduced.

Other options involve different approaches that do not focus on maintaining laryngeal elevation. Tilting the head changes bolus routing rather than elevating the larynx for a longer opening, exhaling during swallow is a breathing pattern, and pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth targets tongue-base and pharyngeal constriction rather than sustaining laryngeal elevation.