Subcortical and Cortical Controls

Primary motor cortex (Brodmann's areas4) activates voluntary muscles of swallowing. Primary sensory cortex (Brodmann's areas1-3) processes sensation of eating. Insula may mediate motor and sensory information involved in swallowing as well as provide some level of swallow control. Anterior cingulate cortex may provide the attention needed in swallowing. Premotor cortex (Brodmann's areas 6) may play role in the motor planning of swallowing. Thalamus and basal ganglia may incorporate sensory information from food and liquid into swallowing as food and liquid pass through the swallowing structures