Why Do We Sneeze?
Everyone does it, but why? In this episode of SciShow Quick Questions you get the answers! Hosted by: Michael Aranda ---------- Support SciShow by becoming ...
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Everyone, everywhere occasionally sneezes. It’s something humans—and even some animals like cats, and dogs, and chickens —just do. But why? Why do we sneeze? If your answer is that it’s our nose’s way of getting rid of irritants and excess mucus, you’re right -- but only partly. See, scientists have long thought that sneezing -- technically known as sternutation -- is a reflex. When irritants—like dust, dander, germs, or pollen —get into your nose, your brain sends out a signal to get rid of it. That same signal goes out if an excessive amount of mucus is hanging out in there too -- say, if you have a cold. This signal triggers a deep breath, which you hold in your lungs for a moment. While you’re holding your breath, your chest muscles clench and pressure builds. Your t...
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Everyone, everywhere occasionally sneezes. It’s something humans—and even some animals like cats, and dogs, and chickens —just do. But why? Why do we sneeze? If your answer is that it’s our nose’s way of getting rid of irritants and excess mucus, you’re right -- but only partly. See, scientists have long thought that sneezing -- technically known as sternutation -- is a reflex. When irritants—like dust, dander, germs, or pollen —get into your nose, your brain sends out a signal to get rid of it. That same signal goes out if an excessive amount of mucus is hanging out in there too -- say, if you have a cold. This signal triggers a deep breath, which you hold in your lungs for a moment. While you’re holding your breath, your chest muscles clench and pressure builds. Your t...
