The brain, which has a complex structure despite two different situations, is subject to changes in different parts of the body. nerve endings It shows certain reactions to irritants.
In this process, stimuli are transmitted to the brain via nerves. Is it a cough? See how it determines whether it’s a sneeze or not…
In fact, the cough and sneeze reflexes are different from each other.

The cough reflex usually occurs in the throat and in the lungs It is caused by irritants. These signals are transmitted via the vagus nerve to the cough center in the brain stem. When the brain decides that the irritant needs to be removed from the airways, it sends signals to the muscles.
So the aperture and chest The muscles are activated, first a deep inhale is taken, and then the irritant is expelled with a forceful exhalation of air.
So what’s up with sneezing?

Sneezing begins when the nerve endings in the nose are activated by substances such as dust, pollen or strong odors. Signals reach the brain via the trigeminal nerve and the sneezing center responds by processing these signals. Brain, facial musclesIt initiates sneezing by coordinating the diaphragm and chest muscles. Meanwhile, a strong air escape occurs from the mouth and nose.
Actually both coughing and sneezingThese are the body’s self-defense mechanisms and aim to cleanse the airways of harmful substances. The brain evaluates the signals it receives and protects the airways by activating these reflexes when it deems it necessary.
The processing status in the brain is different in both cases.
Nerve impulses, coughing and to sneezing centers is shipped. These brain areas evaluate the signals and decide whether the necessary response will occur.
This is against coughing reflexIt is organized in the medulla oblongata region of the brain, while sneezing is controlled by the trigeminal nerve nucleus in the brainstem.
These two situations, which seem similar, actually are They work very differently from each other.
Sources: NIH
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