Run Time: 3 minutes

Author: Dr. Jared Scott

Educational Pearls:

• The area postrema controls vomiting – not protected by blood-brain barrier – gets input from several types of receptors, the vagus nerve, serotonin input from gastric mucosa, and cranial nerve #8.
• Physiologic steps: Increased salivation, Involuntary deep breath to avoid aspiration, retro-peristalsis of the upper half of the small intestine, increased intra abdominal pressure, contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal musculature, and finally the lower esophageal sphincter opens.
• The stomach does not contract when you vomit – it is passive.
• Sympathetic nervous system is activated and endorphins are released immediately afterwards.