Koo na Umio

The throat (pharynx) lies behind and below the mouth. When food and fluids leave the mouth, they pass through the throat. Swallowing of food and fluids begins voluntarily and continues automatically. A small muscular flap (epiglottis) closes to prevent food and fluids from going down the windpipe (trachea) toward the lungs. The back portion of the roof of the mouth (soft palate) lifts to prevent food and fluids from going up the nose. The uvula, a small flap attached to the soft palate, helps prevent fluids from passing upward into the nasal cavity.

(See also Overview of the Digestive System.)

Mfumo wa Kusaga Chakula

The esophagus is a thin-walled, muscular channel lined with mucous membranes that connects the throat with the stomach. Food and fluids are propelled through the esophagus not only by gravity but also by waves of rhythmic muscular contractions called peristalsis. At either end of the esophagus are ring-shaped muscles (the upper and lower esophageal sphincters), which open and close. The esophageal sphincters normally prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus or throat.

Jinsi Umio Inavyofanya Kazi

Mtu anapomeza, chakula hutoka mdomoni hadi kwenye koo, pia huitwa koromeo (1). Sfinkta ya umio la juu hufunguka (2) ili chakula kiingie kwenye umio, ambapo mawimbi ya kukaza kwa misuli, yanayoitwa peristalsisi, husukuma chakula mbele kuelekea chini (3). Kisha chakula hupita kwenye kiwambo (4) na sfinkta ya umio ya chini (5) na kuingia tumboni.