why is it impossible to sneeze without squinting or closing ur eyes????
2007-03-13 11:35:05 · 6 answers · asked by THE IRV 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
no, the pressure from sneezing is so great that if you don't close your eyes, they could be seriously damaged.
2007-03-13 11:39:15 · answer #1 · answered by Megameg 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The sneeze occurs when the nerve endings of the mucous membrane of the nose are irritated. This irritation then stimulates your trigeminal nerve, sending impulses through the trigeminal ganglion to a set of neurons located in the brainstem that collectively are termed the "sneezing center". These neurons send new impulses along the facial nerve back to the nasal passages and the face, causing the nasal passages to secrete fluid and become congested. The eyes may also tear. At the same time, the "sneezing center" also sends impulses to your respiratory muscles via the spinal cord. It is these impulses that create the deep inbreath and forceful outbreath, or the paroxysm of the sneeze itself.
Meanwhile, the impulses travelling through the facial nerve happen to stimulate nerves which govern the reflex response we call the the blink. So, essentially, one message is sent, but two listeners receive it, and act on it. Hence the sneeze blink.
Compare the "photic sneeze reflex," more commonly known as "sun sneezing", that strange phenomenon where people sneeze when suddenly exposed to bright light. Recognized in medical journals for the last 40 years, it has also been called the "ACHOO syndrome". Supposedly only 25% of the population is prone to sun sneezing, leading some to speculate that the tendency to sneeze at the sun may be an inheritable trait that only some possess. (It should be noted however that most newborns exhibit sun sneezing.)
2007-03-13 11:44:01 · answer #2 · answered by AMBER D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suspect the reason the body evolved with the reflex to close the eyes during a sneeze is to prevent the product of the sneeze from getting into the eyes - where it might cause an infection.
Best wishes.
2007-03-13 11:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pressure is such during a good sneeze that if you hold it in, it can damage brain sells! The eyes closing is the body's protective mechanism to keep them in Place!
2007-03-13 11:40:25 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the wind 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont know why wont u sneeze without squinting or closing ur eyes
it natural.....its bound to happened so why??
2007-03-13 11:38:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pressure is so great that if you did not close your eyes they would pop out. its actually true
2007-03-13 11:42:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋