During surgical anesthesia, the epiglotal reflex does not functio. What risk is this to the patient?

15 Jun 2011

This is the "gag reflex" .
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage which covers the larynx when you swallow. Without this reflex, there is a much higher risk of pulmonary aspiration (foreign material reaching the trachea and lungs).