What is the scientific name for the act of swallowing?

The scientific name for the act of swallowing is deglutition. This term specifically refers to the process of moving food or liquid from the mouth through the pharynx and into the esophagus, ultimately leading to the stomach. Deglutition involves coordinated actions of various muscles in the throat and is a crucial step in the digestive process, ensuring that ingested materials are properly directed toward the digestive tract.

Ingestion refers to the initial act of taking food into the mouth, but it does not encompass the complex physiological process of swallowing. Bolus formation is part of the swallowing process, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva to form a cohesive mass, but it is not synonymous with the act of swallowing itself. Digestion is the broader term for the complex biochemical and physiological processes that break down food into its nutrient components, including steps that take place after deglutition. Thus, deglutition accurately reflects the specific action of swallowing.