Glossary of Medical Terms
Relating to Sword Swallowing
- Epiglottis - The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing while food or drink is passing through the pharynx.
- Esophagus, oesaphagus - The muscular membranous tube for the passage of food from the pharynx to the stomach also known as the gullet
- Esophageal Sphincter - Muscle at the end of the esophagus just before the stomach which tightens up to close the esophagus and prohibit stomach acids from refluxing into the esophagus
- Oesophagus - The muscular membranous tube for the passage of food from the pharynx to the stomach; the gullet.
- Perforation - Puncturing of the esophageal or stomach lining with an object such as a sword
- Peritonitis - Bacterial infection of the peritoneum caused by perforation of esophageal or stomach lining, often deadly
- Peristalsis (Esophageal) - The movement of the esophagus, induced by swallowing, in which waves of alternate circular contraction and relaxation propel the contents onward.
- Pharynx - The passage to the stomach (via esophagus) and lungs (via trachea); in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone, also known as the upper throat
- Primary Peristalsis (Esophageal) - Peristalsis that occurs in response to a swallow, and usually travels the full length of the esophagus.
- Trachea - A thin-walled, cartilaginous tube descending from the larynx to the bronchi and carrying air to the lungs, also known as the windpipe
Medical Diagrams and Photos Related to Sword Swallowing
Medical Complications of Sword Swallowing
- Sword Swallowing Uncertainties (British Medical Journal, Nov 6, 2006)
- Sword Swallowing and its side effects (British Medical Journal, Dec 23, 2006)
- Sword Swallowing Risks Hard to Stomach (ABC Medical News, Jan 2007)
- A Surprisingly Safe Job (Unless You Hiccup) (New York Times Health Vital Signs)
- Science Daily (Science Daily)
- Anatomic and physiologic aspects of sword swallowing (Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal)
- On esophagoscopy and sword-swallowing (Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology)
- Esophageal Perforation in a 59 year old Sword Swallower (Texas Heart Institute Journal)
- Injury sustained from fall from stage while sword swallowing (European Congress of Radiology)
- Injuries sustained by amateur sword swallower
- Amateur punctures lung while under the influence
- Photo of sword swallowing injury to the stomach
- Another photo of sword swallowing injury to the stomach (26 year old Canadian male sword swallower, July 19, 1999)
Xrays of Sword Swallowers Swallowing Swords
Science/Medical Events, Conventions, Association Meetings, Documentaries, Interviews
Looking for an interesting speaker or program for a science or medical event, convention, association meeting, documentary, or interview? How about a unique and visually interesting lecture and demonstration by an Ig Nobel award-winning sword swallower? Click here
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