The swallowing reflex is an automatic response that occurs when food or liquid is pushed to the back of the mouth. This triggers a series of coordinated muscle movements that help transport the material from the mouth through the throat and into the esophagus. The reflex is essential for digestion and prevents choking by ensuring that food does not enter the trachea. The swallowing process involves three main phases: the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. During the oral phase, the tongue pushes the food toward the throat. In the pharyngeal phase, the throat muscles contract to move the food down, while the epiglottis closes to protect the airway. Finally, in the esophageal phase, the food is pushed into the stomach through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.