The client chews an apple and starts the swallowing process

Question

As the food bolus enters the back of the mouth and swallowing is initiated, the nurse knows that the client's motor impulses are being carried out by which of the following cranial nerves? Select all that apply.
A) Trigeminal (V)
B) Vagus (X)
C) Hypoglossal (XII)
D) Abducent (VI)

Answer 1

Ans: A, B, C
Feedback:
The esophageal phase is innervated by the vagus (X) nerve, which initiates the peristaltic waves that will carry the food bolus into the stomach. Gagging is a protective reflex response that can occur during the pharyngeal phase, to prevent food from entering the larynx. Tactile receptors initiate the involuntary part of swallowing during the pharyngeal stage. Hypoglossal (XII) and trigeminal (V) nerves are part of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Abducent (VI) is a motor nerve that supplies to the pons and perform function of turning eye laterally.