Inability to swallow is known as which term?

• A. Aphagia
• B. Aphasia
• C. Ataxia
• D. Dysphagia

Answer: (A)

Inability to swallow is described by the term aphagia. This term uses the a- prefix meaning without and phagia meaning swallowing, so it specifically denotes a complete inability to swallow. It’s different from dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing but not an absolute inability. Aphasia refers to language impairment, not swallowing, and ataxia describes a lack of coordinated movement, which also isn’t about swallowing. So, when the patient cannot swallow at all, aphagia is the correct anatomical term to use.