Explain sneeze reflex
Biology
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Answer
The sneeze reflex, or sternutation, is a powerful, involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. It's a reflex designed to clear the nasal passages of irritants.
Step-by-step solution
4 stepsIrritants like dust, pollen, or strong smells stimulate nerve endings in the nasal mucosa.
These signals travel via the trigeminal nerve to the sneeze center in the brainstem.
The brainstem coordinates a complex sequence
a deep inhalation, followed by the forceful closure of the glottis and soft palate.
The glottis then suddenly opens, and abdominal and chest muscles contract forcefully, expelling air at high speed through the nose and mouth, carrying irritants with it.
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