gag (redirected from gag (2) reflex)

gag (gag)

1. a surgical device for holding the mouth open.

2. to retch, or to strive to vomit.

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gag (gg)

v.

1. To choke, retch, or undergo a regurgitative spasm.

2. To prevent from talking.

n.

An instrument adjusted between the teeth to keep the mouth from closing during operations in the mouth or throat.

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gag

Etymology: ME, gaggen, to strangle

1  n, a dental device for holding the jaws open during oral surgery or dental restoration. Also called mouth prop.

2  v, to retch or attempt to vomit.

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gag,

n a surgical device for holding the oral cavity open.

gag reflex,

n a normal neural reflex elicited by touching the soft palate or posterior pharynx; the response is a symmetric elevation of the palate, a retraction of the tongue, and a contraction of the pharyngeal muscles. It is used as a test of the integrity of the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves.

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gag

1. a surgical device for holding the mouth open. See also mouth speculum.

2. to retch, or strive to vomit.

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mouth gag (1)

see drinkwater mouth gag, haussman gag, spring gag, varnell gag, probang.

gag (2) reflex

elevation of the soft palate and retching elicited by touching the back of the tongue or the wall of the pharynx; called also pharyngeal reflex.

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Patient discussion about gag (2) reflex.

Q. Does GAG really help? My mother suffers from osteoarthritis, and after taking a lot of pain-killers someone offered us to try glycosaminoglycans. Does it really help? It’s quite expensive….

A. As far as I know it wasn’t proved in well-controlled trials to benefit the patients over placebo, so if it’s a consideration for you, I’m not sure it justifies the price. However, I’m only a lay-man, so consulting a professional (i.e. a doctor) is better.