What anatomical structures are assessed during a FEES?

A Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure specifically designed to assess the anatomy and function of the swallowing mechanism. During this procedure, the clinician uses a flexible endoscope to visualize the pharynx and larynx while the patient swallows various consistencies of food and liquid.

The primary focus of FEES is on the structures involved in swallowing, which include the pharynx and larynx. Observing these areas allows the clinician to evaluate the function of the airway and identify any potential aspiration or swallowing difficulties.

The other anatomical structures listed in the options are not the focus during a FEES. For example, assessing the jaw and facial muscles typically falls under a different type of examination focused on oral-motor function. Similarly, the esophagus and intestines are assessed through other methods, such as barium swallow studies or esophageal manometry, and the sinuses and nasal passages are evaluated through endoscopy specifically directed at those regions. Thus, option B is the most appropriate choice here, as it directly pertains to the structures evaluated during a FEES.