Which term describes the act of swallowing?

The term that describes the act of swallowing is indeed "phagia." In medical terminology, "phagia" specifically refers to the process of eating or swallowing food. This term is derived from the Greek word "phagein," which means "to eat." It often appears in various compound medical terms that relate to different types of eating or swallowing, such as "dysphagia," which indicates difficulty in swallowing.

Understanding the other terms helps clarify why "phagia" is the correct choice. "Phasia" relates to speech and language, derived from the Greek word "phasai," meaning "to speak." "Ostomy" refers to a surgical procedure that creates an opening from an area inside the body to the outside; it does not pertain to swallowing. "ADL," or Activities of Daily Living, encompasses tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating, but does not specifically define the act of swallowing. Therefore, "phagia" is the most accurate term for the act of swallowing.