Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Pharyngeal Reflex

Neurology, Otorhinolaryngology

Also known as: Gag Reflex

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

The pharyngeal reflex is triggered by irritating the posterior wall of the pharynx, resulting in a gag reflex mediated by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Its absence can indicate nerve damage or serve as a stigma of hysteria, though it can also occasionally be absent in healthy individuals.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

PHARYNGEAL REFLEX is elicited by irritating the posterior wall of the pharynx with a spatula and is manifested by a gagging movement. The afferent and efferent pathways of the pharyngeal reflex pass through the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve. When these nerves are damaged, the pharyngeal reflex is lost.

It is also frequently absent in hysteria; its absence has long been classed among the stigmata of this neurosis. (It is, however, inconstant even in the normal state, although its presence is noted in the majority of cases, so that examining it is not without diagnostic interest.)

Pharyngeal Reflex: figure 1 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article
Pharyngeal Reflex: figure 2 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article

Cite this page

“Pharyngeal Reflex.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.com/article/gag-reflex/