The coughing reflex kicks in, only if the epiglottis reflex fails to. If the coughing reflex fails then the Heimlich maneuver may be needed.
gag reflex and the actual structure in the body is called the epiglottis.
epiglottis...
During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the glottic opening to prevent aspiration of food or fluids into the lungs.
The epiglottis is what acts as a lid over the entrance of the laryngopharynx. This is defined as a flap that is made of elastic cartilage tissue that is covered with a mucous membrane.
It's called the epiglottis. Epiglottis, it is referred to as the 'guardian of the airways'.
gag reflex and the actual structure in the body is called the epiglottis.
the epiglottis closes over the glottis in a reflex action when food is swallowed. This prevent food from entering the respiratory system
The most important aspect is the closure of the epiglottis to keep material from entering the lungs while directing food past the lung entry to be directed to the esophageal sphincter for entry to the stomach. If the closure of the epiglottis is defective, one will choke on food or fluid and a cough reflex should expell it.
Food will go down the trachea into your lungs. This can cause a gagging reflex and you could sufforcate and die.
It is normally pointed upward during breathing with its underside functioning as part of the pharynx, but during swallowing, elevation of the hyoid bone draws the larynx upward; as a result, the epiglottis folds down to a more horizontal position, with its superior side functioning as part of the pharynx. In this manner it prevents food from going into the trachea and instead directs it to the esophagus, which is at the back. The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) sends fibers to the upper epiglottis that contribute to the afferent limb of the gag reflex. The superior laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) sends fibers to the lower epiglottis that contribute to the efferent limb of the cough reflex.
The tongue is involved in the swallowing reflex insofar as it raises voluntarily to force food backward toward the pharnyx, where reflex action takes over in which the larynx is closed by the epiglottis and the nasal passages are closed by the soft palate so that food does not enter into the trachea. Food then moves down the esophagus by peristalsis and gravity.
It is the epiglottis.
There are two reasons this doesn't happen. One is that you cannot breate while swallowing, and the other is that the body has an involuntary reflex that prevents it from inhaling food.
Usually, but it depends on the guy and where and how you touch him. In any case, it's a reflex -- it doesn't mean he likes you or is attracted to you. In fact, even though the reflex kicks in, it's possible that he will then get angry or upset if you touched it without his permission.
That's your epiglottis.
Epiglottis
The malfunctions have created havoc.