Aspiration Process Diagram: How Food or Vomit Enters the Lungs #3725531 (License: Personal Use)

This medical diagram details the seven-stage progression of aspiration, beginning with normal respiration (A), followed by food entering the pharynx (B), epiglottis closure and UES opening (C), breath intake during swallow (D), onset of vomiting (E), continued breathing with sphincter dysfunction (F), and final inhalation of vomitus (G). Key structures-including the epiglottis, upper esophageal sphincter (UES), larynx, and trachea-are labeled for clarity.

Used in clinical education, gastroenterology or pulmonology resources, and patient-facing materials about dysphagia, GERD, or aspiration pneumonia; targets users seeking to understand pathophysiology of accidental airway entry of ingested material.