Which term refers to painful swallowing?

The term that refers to painful swallowing is dysphagia. This medical term is derived from the Greek words "dys," meaning difficulty or impairment, and "phagia," which means eating or swallowing. Dysphagia encompasses the discomfort or pain that occurs during the act of swallowing, which can be caused by various conditions affecting the throat or esophagus.

In contrast, the other terms listed have different meanings. Lacrimal pertains to tears or the structures that produce tears, such as the lacrimal glands. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, and mucosal relates to the mucous membranes that line various cavities and organs within the body. None of these terms address the specific condition of experiencing pain while swallowing, which is why dysphagia is the correct answer.