title: [Laryngeal adduction reflex].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laryngeal Adductor Reflex Background: A rapid closure of the vocal folds is necessary, whenever foreign materials or food particles penetrate into the larynx. Otherwise a passage of these particles into the trachea or the lower respiratory tract would be imminent. An aspiration could mechanically block the respiratory tract and cause severe dyspnoea or cause aspiration pneumonia.
  
  
  METHODS
  For this systematic review a selective literature research in PubMed and Scopus using the keywords "laryngeal adductor reflex" and "vocal fold closure" has been carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Apart from the oesophago-glottal and pharyngo-glottal closure reflexes, the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) has been investigated in particular. The LAR qualifies as a reflectory laryngeal adductor mechanism and involves early, presumably di- or oligosynaptic ipsilateral LAR1 as well as late polysynaptic ipsi- and contralateral LAR2 components. In clinical routine diagnostic settings of dysphagia, LAR is only assessed qualitatively and usually triggered by air pulses or tactile stimulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dysphagiologists often find that not only the laryngeal sensibility in general is impaired, but especially the protective laryngeal adduction mechanism, which results in a higher risk of aspiration. Thus, it appears mandatory to test the LAR not only qualitatively but also quantitatively. Unfortunately a valid and reliable method that can be employed in clinical practice has not yet been put forward.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, MHH, Hannover.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ptok
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, MHH, Hannover.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bonenberger
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, MHH, Hannover.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, MHH, Hannover.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kühn
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, MHH, Hannover.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jungheim
mesh_terms: D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005683:Gagging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012016:Reference Values; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*