In this article, we will discuss the Reflex Pathway of Vomiting. So, let’s get started.
Pathway
Central control: Vomiting is controlled by two centers located in the medulla, i.e. vomiting center in the lateral reticular formation and chemoreceptor trigger zone in the floor of the fourth ventricle.
Afferent pathway: The vomiting center receives afferent impulses from the GI tract, from the brainstem and cortical centers especially labyrinthine apparatus and from the chemoreceptor trigger zone. The chemoreceptor trigger zone by itself is incapable of mediating the act of vomiting, the activation of this zone results in efferent impulses to the medullary vomiting center, which in turn initiates the vomiting.
Efferent pathway: The important efferent pathways in vomiting are phrenic nerves (to the diaphragm), spinal nerves (to the intercoastal and abdominal muscles) and visceral efferent fibers in the vagus nerve (to the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach).