title: Anatomy and physiology of pediatric swallowing disorders.
abstract: The anatomy and physiology of the act of swallowing is complex. Because the swallowing mechanism matures with age, it is important to understand this maturation process from neonate to older child to appreciate the impact of this changing physiology on pediatric swallowing disorders. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, neurologic control mechanism, and physiology of swallowing in neonates and children.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Derkay
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Schechter
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000502:physiology