Regurgitation (digestion)

The Regurgitation (Latin re, back; Gurges, throat) is a process where the contents of hollow organs (such as the chyme in the stomach and esophagus, or the blood in the heart ) does not take the usually intended path, but back in the other direction of flow. This process is pathological in humans and many animal species, in some species (mainly insects) normal and essential to life.

Regurgitation in humans and other mammals

As the regurgitation Back penetration of solid or liquid food parts from the stomach into the esophagus and into the oral cavity is called immediately after the ingestion of certain esophageal disorders ( achalasia, esophageal atresia, Zenker 's diverticulum ) or of the stomach in the first place. The main difference nauseam here is in the fact that the chyme is not transported back from a antiperistalsis in the oral cavity, but other mechanisms are responsible for this. These may both be absent or decreased peristaltic waves, so that the food is not effectively conveyed, or the passage may be disrupted by constrictions or sacs.

In case of unconsciousness, there is the risk that the food particles find their way into the trachea or bronchi, and aspiration pneumonia (see also aspiration pneumonia ) to the trigger ARDS. In the worst case you can choke on massive inhalation of vomit or Regurgitiertem. The first-aid measure, the recovery position with hyperextended head is to reduce this risk; However applies endotracheal intubation as the only largely safe measure to secure the airway and prevent aspiration.

In cardiology refers to the backflow of blood when the heart valve insufficiency also as regurgitation.

Regurgitation in Birds

In birds, regurgitation often occurs when inflammation or goiter goiter stones.

Regurgitation in the insect world

When an ant is touched at the sensors, it chokes out available food, which then eats the touching ant. This process is also called regurgitation. In this way, a source of food in less than half an hour to all the individuals of a nation ants can be distributed.

A fly regurgitated a decomposing enzyme to their potential food to digest them outside her body. Then the liquified food is absorbed together with the enzyme in the trunk. Flies have no stomach, and therefore no other way to contain structured food.