Changes

==The Vomit Reflex==

==The Vomit Reflex==

[[Image:The Vomit Reflex Pathway.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Vomit Reflex - Copyright nabrown RVC]]

[[Image:The Vomit Reflex Pathway.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Vomit Reflex - Copyright nabrown RVC]]

'''Emesis''' is the process of vomiting. Persistent vomiting can be exhausting and can lead to metabolic alkalosis, dehydration and electrolyte inbalances which may require fluid therapy. Extreme cases of persistent vomiting can lead to shock.  

'''Emesis''' is the process of vomiting. Persistent vomiting can be exhausting and can lead to [[Essential Ion and Compound Balance and Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology#Alkalosis|metabolic alkalosis]], [[Dehydration|dehydration]] and electrolyte imbalances which may require [[Principles of Fluid Therapy|fluid therapy]]. Extreme cases of persistent vomiting can lead to [[Shock|shock]].  

Vomiting includes retching and the action of the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves caudal to open the cardia and retching involves the abdominal and chest walls contracting. The gastrointestinal tract has protective stimuli to recognise harmful products ingested. The mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors respond using visceral afferent pathways. The medulla co-ordinates the process and the chemoreceptive trigger zone in the 4th ventricle responds to blood and CSF. Inputs are also received from the inner ear and higher centres.  

Vomiting includes retching and the action of the [[Diaphragm - Anatomy & Physiology|diaphragm]]. The diaphragm moves caudal to open the cardia and retching involves the abdominal and chest walls contracting. The gastrointestinal tract has protective stimuli to recognise harmful products ingested. The mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors respond using visceral afferent pathways. The [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology#Medulla Oblongata|medulla]] co-ordinates the process and the chemoreceptive trigger zone in the 4th ventricle responds to blood and [[Cerebral Spinal Fluid - Anatomy & Physiology|CSF]]. Inputs are also received from the [[Ear - Anatomy & Physiology#Inner Ear|inner ear]] and higher centres.  

Emetic agents can be used in cases of gastric obstruction and to remove non-corrosive poisons from the stomach (for corrosive poisons charcoal can be used which will help adsorb the substance and decrease its absorption into the gastrointestinal tract).

Emetic agents can be used in cases of gastric obstruction and to remove non-corrosive poisons from the stomach (for corrosive poisons charcoal can be used which will help adsorb the substance and decrease its absorption into the gastrointestinal tract).