Pharyngeal reflex
Pharyngeal Reflex
The Pharyngeal Reflex, also known as the Gag Reflex (pronounced: fuh-RIN-jee-uhl REE-flex), is a protective mechanism that prevents the passage of foreign objects into the throat and lungs, and stimulates gagging to expel unwanted substances.
Etymology
The term "Pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx" which means "throat", and "reflex" comes from the Latin "reflexus" meaning "bent back".
Function
The Pharyngeal Reflex is triggered when the Rosenmüller's fossa, the part of the throat at the back of the tongue, is touched or irritated. This causes the muscles in the throat to contract and the person to gag or vomit. This reflex helps to prevent choking and aspiration of foreign objects into the lungs.
Related Terms
- Aspiration: The entry of foreign material into the airway and lungs.
- Rosenmüller's fossa: An area in the nasopharynx, touching this area can trigger the Pharyngeal Reflex.
- Reflex: An automatic and rapid response to a stimulus.
- Pharynx: The part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, above the esophagus and larynx – the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pharyngeal reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Pharyngeal reflex
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