Gag reflex anatomy

The gag reflex is also known as the pharyngeal reflex and protects the air way from objects entering the posterior oral cavity. The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) carries sensory information to the solitary nucleus in the medulla oblongata. Fibres from here link to neurones in the nucleus ambiguus that innervate muscles in the pharynx and soft palate via the vagus nerve. The muscles of the pharynx contract as a reflexive response to an object that is not about to be swallowed.
The sensitivity of the gag reflex varies between people and can be learned and unlearned. There is also a pyschogenic component that can trigger this reflex without the presence of a physical object.
Music:
Whipped Up by Gregory David
www.epidemicso...