How does food move in the opposite direction during Vomiting?

Vomiting is a defence mechanism that occurs in the case of a hangover, pregnancy, and local irritation of the stomach, such as bacteria or food poisoning. It can be triggered manually, but it is usually a reflex. 

When we vomit, Retroperistalsis or an Anti-peristaltic movement takes place, which pushes the spoiled food or other waste products in the opposite direction to the peristaltic waves that normally move food down through the digestive tract.

The glottis present between the vocal folds in the larynx is closed by the body reflex to prevent vomit from going into the trachea and the lungs.

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Updated on: 26-Apr-2023

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