Which view is best for observing all stages of a swallow during a videofluoroscopic swallow study?

• A. Frontal
• B. Anterior-posterior
• C. Transverse
• D. Lateral

Answer: (D)

Watch the swallow in a side (lateral) view because it follows the vertical sequence of events from the lips to the esophagus and shows how the airway protects itself during the swallow. In this view you can see the bolus move from the mouth into the oropharynx, while the hyoid and larynx elevate and the epiglottis tilts to cover the airway. You can time the pharyngeal swallow, see where residue might remain in the valleculae or piriform sinuses, and watch the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter as the bolus enters the esophagus. That single plane captures the key dynamic movements and airway protection across all stages.

Frontal (or AP) views emphasize symmetry and where material pools side-to-side but don’t reveal the crucial vertical movements and timing of the swallow. Transverse (axial) views aren’t ideal for tracking the entire transit from mouth to esophagus. Hence, the lateral view is the best choice for observing all stages of the swallow.