What mechanism causes vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy?

The mechanism that causes vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy is through the stimulation of neuroreceptors in the medulla. Chemotherapy agents can lead to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and substance P, which activate the central nervous system's vomiting center located in the medulla oblongata. When these neuroreceptors are stimulated, they can trigger signals that lead to the physical act of vomiting as a protective response to potentially harmful substances in the body.

This central action is particularly relevant in the context of chemotherapy, which often induces nausea and vomiting as side effects. By understanding this mechanism, healthcare professionals can effectively manage these symptoms through the use of antiemetic medications that target these receptors, thus improving the patient's comfort and quality of life during treatment.