Which statement best describes the oral preparatory phase regarding bolus handling?

• A. The bolus is propelled into the hypopharynx
• B. The bolus is squeezed through the upper esophageal sphincter
• C. The bolus is manipulated, may be chewed, and held at the alveolar ridge or floor of mouth
• D. The bolus passes into the stomach

Answer: (C)

During the oral preparatory phase, the focus is on getting the food ready inside the mouth. The bolus is manipulated by the tongue and teeth, may be chewed, and mixed with saliva to form a cohesive mass. It is held in place—typically against the alveolar ridge or the floor of the mouth—so it can be safely kept there and controlled until swallowing begins. This stage is voluntary and ends when the bolus is ready to be moved toward the pharynx for propulsion.

The other descriptions refer to later steps: propelling the bolus into the hypopharynx is part of the pharyngeal phase, squeezing it through the upper esophageal sphincter starts the esophageal phase, and passing into the stomach happens after the swallow has entered the esophagus and reached the stomach.