When a girl sneezes, her body initiates a complex reflex action to expel irritants from her nasal passages.
The Sneezing Process Explained:
The process of sneezing involves a coordinated sequence of actions:
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Triggering the Sneeze Center: The process begins in the lower brain stem where a specific area known as the "sneeze center" gets activated. This activation is usually triggered by an irritant in the nasal passages, such as dust, pollen, or viruses, as noted in the reference provided.
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Signal Transmission: Once triggered, the sneeze center sends out signals throughout the body to initiate the sneezing reflex.
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Body's Protective Actions: The body then undergoes a series of rapid changes, including:
- Throat, Eyes, and Mouth Closure: The throat, eyes, and mouth tightly close to prevent the expelling substances from entering these areas.
- Chest Muscle Contractions: The chest muscles contract strongly, compressing the lungs.
- Throat Muscle Relaxation: At the same time the throat muscles relax.
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Forceful Expulsion: This muscle coordination forces a rush of air, along with saliva and mucus, out of the nose and mouth. The forceful expulsion is the final stage of the sneeze, aimed to remove the irritant.
Summary of the Physiological Process
Step | Action |
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1. Trigger | Irritant stimulates the "sneeze center" in the lower brain stem. |
2. Signal | The sneeze center sends out signals throughout the body. |
3. Closure | Throat, eyes, and mouth close tightly. |
4. Contraction and Relaxation | Chest muscles contract, while throat muscles relax. |
5. Expulsion | Air, saliva, and mucus are forcefully expelled through the nose and mouth. |
The end result is a forceful release of air and other secretions, which serves to clear the nasal passages of irritants.