| Gag Reflex |
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The gag reflex is a Reflex contraction of the back of the throat that prevents something from entering the throat except as part of normal Swallowing . This helps prevent Choking . It is also known as a pharyngeal reflex. Touching the Soft Palate evokes a strong gag reflex in most people, although people can train themselves to resist the gag reflex, for example as part of the act of Sword Swallowing . The gag reflex can also be used to induce Vomiting . The afferent limb of the reflex is supplied by the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (cranial nerve IX), which inputs to the Nucleus Solitarius , and the efferent limb is supplied by the Vagus Nerve (cranial nerve X) from the Nucleus Ambiguus . Absence of the gag reflex is a symptom of a number of severe medical conditions, such as damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve, or the vagus nerve. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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