Which of the following describes the pharyngeal stage of deglutition?
a. the stage which involves movements of the soft palate, vocal cords and larynx to temporarily close the respiratory passageways.
b. the stage where the food is involuntarily moved through the pharynx into the esophagus.
c. the stage where direct impulses to the respiratory center in the medulla decrease respiration
d. all of these answers are correct

D) all of these answers are correct.

Explanation:

 The pharyngeal stage of deglutition are described by the all of the given stages in the options are correct. As, deglutition is the transport of the food and the liquid from the mouth to the stomach. normal deglutition required contraction and the relaxation to the muscles of oral. Basically, it is the another word of swallowing and it aid by the presence of the saliva and the mucus in the organ.