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Related Concept Videos

Nonconscious Mimicry01:13

Nonconscious Mimicry

Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers01:17

Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Breathing is primarily an involuntary activity regulated by the brainstem respiratory centers. However, it can also be consciously controlled, allowing us to hold our breath or take deeper breaths when needed. This voluntary control is facilitated by the cerebral motor cortex, which bypasses the medullary centers to stimulate the respiratory muscles directly.
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration01:23

Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration

The Physiology of Expiration: A Seamless Respiratory Process
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
Physiological Control of Respiration01:23

Physiological Control of Respiration

Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Laboratory Method to Measure Contagious Yawning in Rats
06:49

A Laboratory Method to Measure Contagious Yawning in Rats

Published on: June 14, 2019

Why do we yawn?

Adrian G Guggisberg1, Johannes Mathis, Armin Schnider

  • 1University of Geneva, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Avenue de Beau-Séjour 26, Geneva 14, Switzerland. aguggis@gmail.com

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|April 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Yawning, a widespread behavior, lacks evidence for physiological roles like thermoregulation. Research increasingly supports a communicative function, potentially signaling social cues like drowsiness or stress in empathetic species.

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

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Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice
09:30

Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Ethology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Yawning is a conserved behavior across vertebrate species, observed from fetal stages to old age.
  • The evolutionary origin and functional significance of yawning remain subjects of long-standing debate and speculation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and critically evaluate experimental evidence supporting various hypotheses on the function of yawning.
  • To determine the validity of physiological versus communicative theories of yawning.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing experimental literature on yawning.
  • Analysis of evidence for physiological hypotheses (respiratory, arousal, thermoregulation).
  • Evaluation of evidence for communicative hypotheses (social signaling).

Main Results:

  • Experimental evidence does not support physiological roles for yawning, such as thermoregulation or respiratory enhancement.
  • Growing evidence indicates yawning serves a communicative function, potentially signaling states like drowsiness, boredom, or stress.
  • Yawning is linked to social and empathic skills in humans and other mammals.

Conclusions:

  • The physiological explanations for yawning are not supported by current experimental data.
  • Yawning likely functions as a form of social communication, particularly in species with advanced social behaviors.
  • Further research should focus on the role of yawning in social cognition and empathy.