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The gag reflex involves a brisk and brief elevation of the soft palate and bilateral contraction of pharyngeal muscles evoked by touching the posterior pharyngeal wall. Touching the soft palate can lead to a similar reflex response. However, in that case, the sensory limb of the reflex is the CN V (trigeminal nerve). In very sensitive ...
Pharyngeal reflex — also known as the gag reflex. Photic sneeze reflex — a sneeze caused by sudden exposure to bright light. Plantar reflex — in infants up to 1 year of age, a curling of the toes when something rubs the ball of the foot. Pupillary accommodation reflex — a reduction of pupil size in response to an object coming close to ...
Oropharyngeal airways are indicated only in unconscious people, because of the likelihood that the device would stimulate a gag reflex in conscious or semi-conscious persons. This could result in vomiting and potentially lead to an obstructed airway. Nasopharyngeal airways are mostly used instead as they do not stimulate a gag reflex.
An NPA is often used in patients who are conscious or have an altered level of consciousness [6] where an oropharyngeal airway would trigger the gag reflex. [7] [8] The use of an NPA is contraindicated when there is trauma to the face, especially the nose or if there is a suspected skull fracture. [9]
Gag reflex: The gag, or pharyngeal, reflex is centered in the medulla and consists of the reflexive motor response of pharyngeal elevation and constriction with tongue retraction in response to sensory stimulation of the pharyngeal wall, posterior tongue, tonsils, or faucial pillars.
Dysphagia, dysarthria, flaccid paralysis, muscle atrophy, drooling of saliva, reduced or absent gag reflex Bulbar palsy refers to a range of different signs and symptoms linked to impairment of function of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), the vagus nerve (CN X), the accessory nerve (CN XI), and the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
As the brain matures, certain areas (usually within the frontal lobes) exert an inhibitory effect, thus causing the reflex to disappear. When disease processes disrupt these inhibitory pathways, the reflex is "released" from inhibition and can be elicited once again, hence the term "frontal release sign". [3]
Stimulation of the uvula also causes the gag reflex to initiate. This is often a problem for people with uvula piercings, and a common method of inducing vomiting. [citation needed] It also acts as a food sensor/guard that aids in breathing between mouthfuls, stopping small pieces of food from being inhaled, leading to choking.