Faculty Collaboration Database

Reflex-mediated enhancement of airway protective mechanisms. Am J Med 2000 Mar 06;108 Suppl 4a:8S-14S

Date

03/16/2000

Pubmed ID

10718445

DOI

10.1016/s0002-9343(99)00289-2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0034611208 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   52 Citations

Abstract

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) comprise the basal mechanisms against entry of gastric content into the aerodigestive tract and the airway. There are, however, other mechanisms referred to here as "response mechanisms" that become activated after certain stimulation, such as distention of the esophagus or tactile/pressure stimulation of the pharyngeal wall, and result either in fortification of the UES barriers--i.e., esophago-UES, pharyngo-UES, and laryngo-UES contractile reflexes--or closure of the glottis--i.e., esophagoglottal and pharyngoglottal closure reflexes. In addition, there are other reflexes included among the response mechanisms--such as pharyngeal swallow and secondary peristalsis induced by pharyngeal stimulation by liquid and esophageal distention by refluxate--that result in pharyngeal and esophageal volume clearance, thus reducing the chance for contact of refluxate with the tracheal, bronchial, and glottal structures.

Author List

Shaker R, Hogan WJ

Author

Reza Shaker MD Assoc Provost, Sr Assoc Dean, Ctr Dir, Chief, Prof in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Deglutition
Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Glottis
Humans
Inhalation
Muscle Contraction
Pharynx
Reflex