| Sneezing is a defensive mechanism that the body | | | | cavity which are in turn triggered by inhalation of fine |
| does in order to rid the respiratory tract from irritant | | | | particles in the air such as dust, hair, smoke or aerosol |
| materials. The explosive exhalation that occurs during | | | | sprays. This gives rise to the ticklish sensation which |
| a sneeze serves to clear the upper airway. Our nose | | | | you often feel prior to the relieving sneeze. |
| does a fine job in protecting us, as it filters dust and | | | | At the exact same time these sensory nerve endings |
| large airborne particles, preventing them from entering | | | | transmit nerve impulses to the respiratory centre of |
| the lungs. In addition, it adjusts air to body temperature | | | | the brain. The brain relays these nerve impulses to the |
| before it enters the lungs. | | | | respiratory muscles, triggering them to contract thus |
| Sneezing helps dislodge accumulated particles in the | | | | causing the body to inhale, close the airways, squeeze |
| nose, preventing congestion of this most important of | | | | the chest and then exhale rapidly and with gusto |
| filtering apparatuses. Most of the compressed air from | | | | expelling the excess secretion along with trapped |
| a sneeze escapes from the mouth but a sizeable | | | | particles through the nose and mouth. The voluntary |
| percentage leaves through the nose travelling at a | | | | part of the brain is not involved in any of this process |
| speed of up to one hundred miles per hour. Sneezing | | | | which is why we have absolutely no control over |
| occurs as a result of reflex reaction which is triggered | | | | sneezing. |
| by the sensory nerve endings in the lining of the nasal | | | | |