Swallowing

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Swallowing, also called deglutition or inglutition^[1] in scientific contexts, is the process in the body of a human or other animal that allows for a substance to pass from the mouth, to the pharynx, and into the esophagus, while shutting the epiglottis. Swallowing is an important part of eating and drinking. If the process fails and the material (such as food, drink, or medicine) goes through the trachea, then choking or pulmonary aspiration can occur. In the human body the automatic temporary closing of the epiglottis is controlled by the swallowing reflex.

The portion of food, drink, or other material that will move through the neck in one swallow is called a bolus.

In colloquial English, the term "swallowing" is also used to describe the action of taking in a large mouthful of food without any biting, where words like gulping or devouring are more adequate.