2006-12-08 10:55:27 · 6 answers · asked by Cody B 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
I dont think explosions were as commen thousands of years ago as they were since gunpowder was made, or that it makes much sense that if theres life threatening stuff happening, you close your eyes instead of run, maybe its just me but doesnt seem like my eyes are closed long enough too protect.
2006-12-08 11:04:18 · update #1
Thousands of years ago, lound sounds meant something else. Usually, a loud, sudden sound would mean something exploding. Exploding meant flying debris, which might get in the eye. Thus, an instinctive reaction was developed to momentarily shut the eye to defend against debris.
2006-12-08 10:58:35 · answer #1 · answered by Falafax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The above answer is correct. This is a function governed unconsciously by the body to essentially become more aware of dangerous situations. To add to this point, these reflexes of sound and sight are centralized in the part of the brain called the corpora quadrigemina. This structure can further be divided into the superior and inferior colliculi. The superior colliculi are responsible for eye reflexes whereas the inferior control auditory reflexes (turning our heads). I would think that they both are probably set off by the loud sounds because of their proximity.
2006-12-08 16:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by sporkscalamity 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loud sounds tend to be followed by lots of stuff flying around in the air (a rock slide, a breaking tree, a bomb going off etc..). This is probably a genetically programmed behavior designed to protect our precious vision.
2006-12-08 10:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by Bernard B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's part of the automatic reflex system most people have to protect themselves. The eyes, being a life sustaining sense, have the most to lose if they get dirt or other matter in them.
2006-12-08 11:00:59 · answer #4 · answered by TexasStar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no offence yet needless to say u have a topic ok u could understand that u do not could remember if u'v blinked its an computerized function so basically ignore it ur ideas dose it without u understanding basically like it tells u to breath or makes ur coronary heart beat
2016-12-11 05:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with things flying at people. It's just one of those human reflexes like kicking up your leg when someone hits your knee.
2006-12-08 11:00:34 · answer #6 · answered by Love_Forever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋