The swallowing reflexes convey food and liquids from the oropharynx to the stomach and have an important role in protecting the airway from aspiration.

Swallowing is voluntary to begin with, followed by a series of complex involuntary reflexes involving the pharyngeal muscles and the oesophagus.

Aspiration during swallowing is prevented by closure of the laryngeal sphincter, upward movement of the larynx behind the base of the tongue, reflex inhibition of breathing and channelling of liquid or food laterally by the epiglottis into the piriform fossae. The epiglottis may also act as a 'lid' to the larynx to prevent substances entering the trachea.

These protective reflexes are lost during anaesthesia, after application of topical anaesthetic to the larynx and following neurological injury. Such individuals are at risk from aspiration.