Gag reflex
Gag Reflex
The Gag Reflex (pronounced: /ɡaɡ ˈriːfleks/), also known as the Pharyngeal Reflex, is a contraction of the back of the throat triggered by an object touching the roof of the mouth, the back of the tongue, the area around the tonsils, the uvula, and the back of the throat. It is one of the body's defense mechanisms against swallowing or inhaling potentially harmful substances.
Etymology
The term "gag reflex" is derived from the English word "gag", which means to choke or retch, and the Latin word "reflexus", which means to bend back. The term "pharyngeal reflex" comes from the Greek word "pharynx", which means throat, and the Latin word "reflexus".
Related Terms
- Pharynx: The part of the throat situated immediately posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity, and cranial, or superior, to the esophagus and larynx.
- Uvula: A conic projection from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate, composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and some muscular fibers.
- Tonsils: A pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx).
- Retching: Making the sound and movement of vomiting, but without producing any vomit.
- Choking: The mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gag reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Gag reflex
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