A 4th-year medical student is examining a comatose patient in the ICU. During examining the reflexes, stimulating the posterior pharyngeal wall did not induce soft palate movement or gagging. This would indicate dysfunction in which of the following structures?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The gag reflex is responsible for protecting the airway and the digestive tract. The gag reflex is mediated by the glossopharyngeal nerve ( afferent fibers) and the vagus nerve ( Efferent Fibers).

A 4th-Year Medical Student Is Examining a Comatose Patient in the ICU