Individual anatomical variability and interrelations: impacts on swallowing functionality and clinical perspectives

ABSTRACT Have you ever wondered during clinical practice why the manifestations of swallowing dysfunctions are so heterogeneous? For example, an individual may go through the aging process and different illnesses with functional swallowing or, in another scenario, may present different forms of dysphagia manifestation. What would be the possible factors associated with the development or not of dysphagia besides those already known? By reading a book on human anatomy, it is possible to understand the complexity of anatomical structures and their different forms and correlations. For years, there have been countless descriptions in the literature regarding the anatomical and physiological variability between individuals and how this may or may not promote changes in functionality. There are countless anatomical and physiological variations known in human beings. However, the individual and personalized approach to individual anatomical correlations of swallowing and their impact on dysfunctions, therapeutic programs and prognosis is still rarely found in the literature. In this paper, we will describe a brief history of research into individual anatomical variations in the area of health and dysphagia and the complex human evolutionary context, in an attempt to reflect on the question: would it be possible for some individuals to have an anatomy and/or physiology that is naturally more prone to swallowing dysfunctions? Mastering anatomy and physiology is fundamental for intervention in dysphagia, however, we believe that other aspects should be considered in the future for assertive and personalized assessment, planning and intervention.