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Pathophysiology of Vomiting

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Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through interaction...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Published on: August 4, 2023

Vomiting.

Hector J Encarnacion¹, Joshua Parra, Erick Mears

¹Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, Texas, USA.

Compendium (Yardley, PA)

|May 5, 2009

Summary

Vomiting is a reflex triggered by the brain

Area of Science:

Veterinary Medicine
Neuroscience
Gastroenterology

Background:

Vomiting is a complex reflex involving the central nervous system.
The chemoreceptor trigger zone (CRTZ) and emetic center are key components of the vomiting reflex.
Numerous conditions, including gastritis, pancreatitis, and chemotherapy, can induce vomiting.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the anatomy and physiology of the vomiting reflex.
To discuss the neurotransmitters and receptors involved in emesis.
To outline rational management strategies for vomiting.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on the physiology of vomiting.
Analysis of neurotransmitter pathways and receptor interactions.

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Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Published on: June 21, 2024

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Published on: August 4, 2023

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Published on: June 21, 2024

Synthesis of clinical information on causes and management.

Main Results:

The vomiting reflex is initiated by stimulation of the CRTZ or emetic center.
Neurotransmitters acting on specific receptors modulate CRTZ activity.
Clinical signs such as ptyalism and tachycardia often precede vomiting.

Conclusions:

Understanding the neurophysiology of vomiting is crucial for effective treatment.
Targeting specific neurotransmitter pathways offers rational approaches to managing emesis.
A comprehensive review of the vomiting reflex provides a foundation for clinical decision-making.