What is the typical duration of the pharyngeal swallow after the bolus reaches the pharynx, and when does laryngeal protection occur?

• A. 0.5–1.0 seconds; just before and during bolus passage through the laryngeal vestibule
• B. 2–3 seconds; after the bolus passes the laryngeal vestibule
• C. 0.1–0.3 seconds; after bolus enters the stomach
• D. 1–2 seconds; only after the bolus leaves the pharynx

Answer: (A)

The pharyngeal swallow is a brief, tightly timed event once the bolus reaches the pharynx, lasting about half a second to one second. Airway protection is built into this moment: the larynx closes just before the bolus reaches the laryngeal vestibule and remains closed as the bolus moves through, with structures like the true vocal folds coming together to shield the airway while the pharyngeal constrictors propel the bolus toward the esophagus. This coordination prevents material from entering the airway as the bolus passes by.

That makes the first option the best choice. It reflects both the typical duration of the pharyngeal swallow (roughly 0.5–1.0 seconds) and the timing of laryngeal protection occurring just before and during passage through the laryngeal vestibule. The other options imply too long a transit, protection after the bolus has moved past the vestibule, or protection only after the bolus leaves the pharynx, which doesn’t match how airway protection is synchronized with the swallow.