The gag reflex is a reflexcontraction of the back of the throat
that prevents objects from entering the throat except as part of
normal swallowing. This helps prevent choking. Touching the soft
palateevokes a strong gag reflex in most people, although people
can train themselves to resist the gag reflex, for example to be
able to perform "deep throat" oral sex, or as part of the act of
sword swallowing. The gag reflex can also be used to induce
vomiting. Absence of the gag reflex is a symptom of a number of
severe medical conditions, one of which may be damage to the
glossopharyngeal nerve. - How to deal with a bad gag reflex
Categories: Anatomy stubs| Reflexes This article is licensed
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Gag reflex.