What is the medical term for the act of swallowing?

The medical term for the act of swallowing is "deglutition." This term specifically refers to the process by which food and liquids are moved from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. Deglutition involves a complex series of muscle contractions and reflexes that ensure safe passage of substances into the digestive tract.

Understanding this term is crucial in medical settings, especially when discussing conditions related to swallowing difficulties, such as dysphagia, which can significantly impact a patient's nutrition and overall health.

The other choices relate to different aspects of digestion and food processing. Chewing refers to the mechanical breakdown of food in the mouth, while mastication is the broader process involving the grinding and mixing of food. Assimilation, on the other hand, refers to the absorption and utilization of nutrients by the body after digestion. Each of these terms plays a role in the overall process of digestion, but they do not specifically denote the act of swallowing.