Salivary stimulus and swallowing reflex in man.

The importance of receptor stimulation by saliva for the elicitation of the swallowing reflex in man was investigated by testing the capacity for repeated dry swallowing at maximum frequency in two controlled series: one with stimulated and one with inhibited secretion of saliva. The swallowing response was recorded manometrically. A positive correlation was found between the secretion of saliva and the capacity was found between the secretion of saliva and the capacity for repeated dry swallowing. It was concluded that the swallowing reflex in man is dependent on an adequate stimulus. The importance of an intact saliva secretion specially in cases with swallowing dysfunction is pointed out.