PHARYNGEAL REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The pharyngeal reflex, also known as the gag reflex or the pharyngeal reflex gag, is a protective mechanism of the body triggered by stimulation of the back of the throat or the pharynx. It is an involuntary contraction or spasm of the muscles in the throat that occurs in response to a stimulus reaching the sensitive areas of the pharynx.
The primary function of the pharyngeal reflex is to prevent foreign objects from entering the airway and to ensure that food, liquid, or other substances do not go down the wrong pipe, which could potentially lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. The reflex is initiated by several sensory nerves located in the throat that transmit signals to the swallowing center in the brainstem.
Typically, the pharyngeal reflex is activated when the back of the throat is stimulated by objects such as food that is too large to be safely swallowed, excessive mucus, or other irritants. This stimulation triggers an automatic contraction of the muscles in the throat, causing a gagging sensation or even vomiting in some cases. The reflex is generally protective and helpful in safeguarding the airway.
While the pharyngeal reflex is a normal physiological response, in certain individuals, it can be hyperactive, resulting in a heightened sensitivity to the stimulation of the throat. This may lead to an overactive gag reflex, which can be triggered by seemingly harmless stimuli, such as dental instruments or even thoughts of gagging. In some cases, this hypersensitivity can be managed or treated through desensitization techniques or other therapeutic interventions.
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A stimulus to the mucous membrane of the pharynx causes swallowing movements.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARYNGEAL REFLEX
- oharyngeal reflex
- lharyngeal reflex
- -haryngeal reflex
- 0haryngeal reflex
- pgaryngeal reflex
- pbaryngeal reflex
- pnaryngeal reflex
- pjaryngeal reflex
- puaryngeal reflex
- pyaryngeal reflex
- phzryngeal reflex
- phsryngeal reflex
- phwryngeal reflex
- phqryngeal reflex
- phaeyngeal reflex
- phadyngeal reflex
- phafyngeal reflex
- phatyngeal reflex
- pha5yngeal reflex
Etymology of PHARYNGEAL REFLEX
The word "pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx", which means "throat" or "gullet". It originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *gwher-, meaning "to swallow".
The word "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "reflected" or "turned back". It is derived from the prefix "re-", meaning "back" or "again", and the verb "flectere", meaning "to bend" or "to turn".
Therefore, the term "pharyngeal reflex" describes a reflex action that occurs in the throat or pharynx, where there is an involuntary or automatic response triggered by a stimulus.
Similar spelling words for PHARYNGEAL REFLEX
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