What does the term 'terminal aspiration' refer to?

The term 'terminal aspiration' specifically refers to the regurgitation of gastric contents into the airway, such as the larynx or trachea, as a result of the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter following death. This physiological process can occur because, after death, the normal mechanisms that prevent the contents of the stomach from entering the respiratory tract cease to function due to the loss of muscle tone. This can lead to a critical situation where the aspirated materials can be harmful and may contribute to complications, especially in cases where death may not be immediately apparent or where there are considerations during the investigation of a death.

In the context of medicolegal death investigations, understanding terminal aspiration is important, as it can provide insights into the circumstances surrounding a person's last moments and can impact the determination of the cause of death. This is particularly significant in cases where the presence of foreign substances in the airways can be relevant to the investigation.