Why does your mouth fill with saliva before you vomit – The phenomenon of increased saliva production before vomiting is linked to the body’s natural physiological responses to nausea and vomiting. Here’s a detailed explanation and a table summarizing the key points:
Table: Explanation of Increased Saliva Production Before Vomiting
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Nausea or other stimuli that prompt the vomiting reflex. |
| Nervous System Involvement | Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. |
| Role of Increased Saliva | – Protects the esophagus: Neutralizes stomach acids and protects from damage. – Lubricates: Eases the expulsion of stomach contents. |
| Connection to Vomiting | Salivation is part of the body’s preparatory response to vomiting. |
| Emetic Center | Located in the medulla oblongata, it coordinates the vomiting reflex and increases salivation. |
Detailed Explanation
1. Nausea Triggers
- Nausea is often a precursor to vomiting. It can be triggered by various factors such as motion sickness, food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, or psychological stress.
2. Autonomic Nervous System Response
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary bodily functions, including salivation and the vomiting reflex. When nausea occurs, the body activates the parasympathetic branch of the ANS, which is responsible for “rest-and-digest” activities.
3. Salivation Increase
- Parasympathetic Activation: When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it increases the production of saliva. This is part of the body’s preparatory response to protect the gastrointestinal tract.
- Purpose of Increased Saliva:
- Protective Mechanism: Saliva contains enzymes that help neutralize stomach acids and protect the esophagus from acid damage.
- Lubrication: It helps lubricate the throat and esophagus, making it easier to expel stomach contents.
4. Vomiting Reflex
- Emetic Center Activation: The brain’s emetic center, located in the medulla oblongata, coordinates the act of vomiting. It signals various physiological changes, including the increase in saliva production.
- Pre-Vomiting Symptoms: Increased salivation often precedes the actual act of vomiting, serving as a signal that the body is about to eject its contents.
Conclusion
Increased saliva production before vomiting is a natural protective response regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The extra saliva helps to neutralize stomach acids and protect the esophagus, while also aiding in the lubrication of the throat and esophagus to facilitate the expulsion of stomach contents. This phenomenon is a key part of the body’s preparation for vomiting, driven by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and the emetic center in the brain.