It is a complex reflex activity. It is controlled by the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata. During swallowing the soft palate is elevated, the larynx gets raised. The tongue forces the food back into the pharynx, the epiglottis closes the glottis and the food slowly passes into the oesophagus.
The oesophageal phase begins with relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter. In the oesophagus the food is moved towards the stomach by a progressive wave of muscle contractions that proceed downward to the stomach. Such waves of contraction in the muscle layer surrounding a tube is known as peristaltic waves. In the oesophagus one peristaltic wave takes about 9 seconds to reach the stomach. Due to peristaltic waves, swallowing can occur even while a person is upside down.


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