- Retching
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Retching is a process in the human body where gastric (and sometimes duodenal) contents are forced into the esophagus but do not enter the pharynx. Retching usually precedes vomiting, when the upper esophageal sphincter remains closed. If the upper esophageal sphincter is open, vomiting occurs. It can also be caused by a bad smell or choking. Retching involves a deep inspiration against a closed glottis. This, along with contraction of the abdomen, leads to a pressure difference between the abdominal and thoracic cavities. As a result, the stomach and gastric contents are displaced upwards toward the thoracic cavity.[1]
See also
References
Categories:- Medicine stubs
- Reflexes
- Digestive disease symptoms
- Vomiting
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