Which of the following statements correctly describes the end of the pharyngeal phase?

• A. It ends when the bolus heads into the esophagus
• B. It ends when the tail of the bolus passes through the UES
• C. It ends when the bolus reaches the stomach
• D. It ends when the epiglottis returns to its resting position

Answer: (D)

During the pharyngeal swallow, the airway is protected as the epiglottis inverts to shield the laryngeal inlet while the bolus moves through the pharynx. When the bolus has been propelled past the pharyngeal constrictors and the airway protection is no longer needed, the epiglottis returns to its resting, upright position. This return marks the completion of the pharyngeal phase and the transition to the esophageal phase.

While the bolus entering the esophagus or passing through the upper esophageal sphincter are related milestones, the resting position of the epiglottis is the cue highlighted here for ending the pharyngeal phase. The bolus reaching the stomach occurs much later during the esophageal phase.