Final answer:
Gavage is the administration of a liquid feeding into the stomach, typically through a tube inserted through the mouth or nose, for individuals unable to ingest food orally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term gavage refers to A. Administration of a liquid feeding into the stomach. This medical procedure involves inserting a tube through the patient's mouth or nose, passing it down the throat, and into the stomach to deliver nutrition directly. It is often used for patients who cannot ingest food orally due to various medical conditions. Gavage ensures that these individuals receive the necessary nutrients and medications without relying on the normal process of deglutition (swallowing), which involves mechanical and chemical digestion beginning in the mouth and continuing through the esophagus to the stomach. This method can be used in medical settings to provide nutrition to patients who are unable to swallow or eat normally. An example of gavage is the use of a feeding tube to deliver liquid formula to an individual who is unable to eat by mouth.