The Oral Preparation Stage

This is the Voluntary stage of the swallow. The time spent in the Oral preparation depends on the substance that is being eaten. When food is placed in the mouth it allows you to prepare for the swallowing. The lips are sealed and you are breathing through your nose.

Mastication Stage 

The muscles used for mastication is innervated by the Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve V). The muscles that are known as the mandibular elevators are the masseter, temporalis, and pterygold. The mandibular depressors are mylohyoid and anterior belly of the digastric muscle. All of these muscles play important roles in mastication.

Gland Secreation

The gland secreation that we are the most familiar with is Saliva which is consisted of water and enzymes. This secreation helps us to break down food as well as mastication. The three major salivary glans are Parotid gland which is stimulated by CN IX, Submandibular glans stimulated by CN VII, and lastly the sublingual glands stimulated by CN VII.