Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

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,...
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...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
Nose and Nasal Cavity01:24

Nose and Nasal Cavity

The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A novel method for thermal noise reduction, enabling measurements of broadband, low-amplitude electron temperature fluctuations using individual radiometer channels.

The Review of scientific instruments·2026
Same author

Design of a correlation reflectometer radiometer diagnostic and measurements of the electron density-temperature cross-phase angle in the H-mode pedestal with small edge localized modes at ASDEX Upgrade.

The Review of scientific instruments·2025
Same author

System-level recommendations for improved wellness for gynecologic oncologists: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review.

Gynecologic oncology·2024
Same author

Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology evidenced-based review and recommendation.

Gynecologic oncology·2021
Same author

Invasive ductal breast carcinoma metastasis to the cervix: A case review and clinical correlation.

Gynecologic oncology reports·2020
Same author

Immature teratoma diagnosed and treated during pregnancy and later complicated by growing teratoma syndrome: A case review with clinical considerations.

Gynecologic oncology reports·2020
Same journal

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide-Induced Central Sensitization: A Hypothesis for Long COVID Symptoms.

Medical hypotheses·2026
Same journal

Subclinical mastitis during lactation: a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer?

Medical hypotheses·2025
Same journal

The Role of Hemispheric Sensory Shifts: Impacts on Stretch Reflex and Motor Plasticity Post-Stroke.

Medical hypotheses·2025
Same journal

Neuron-Targeted Exosome Therapy: A Novel Approach for Treating Cardiogenic Dementia via RyR2 Inhibition.

Medical hypotheses·2025
Same journal

How the Somatosensory System Adapts to the Motor Change in Stroke: A Hemispheric Shift?

Medical hypotheses·2024
Same journal

Unstable Plaque is a Treatable Cause of Cognitive Decline.

Medical hypotheses·2024
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

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

Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice

Published on: October 3, 2025

Why do we sneeze?

W Burke1

  • 1Brain Research Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Australia. william.burke@sydney.edu.au

Medical Hypotheses
|February 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sneezing

More Related Videos

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization
15:40

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

Published on: August 10, 2013

Murine Nasal Lavage Fluid Collection without Blood Contamination
05:12

Murine Nasal Lavage Fluid Collection without Blood Contamination

Published on: July 11, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

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

Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice

Published on: October 3, 2025

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization
15:40

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

Published on: August 10, 2013

Murine Nasal Lavage Fluid Collection without Blood Contamination
05:12

Murine Nasal Lavage Fluid Collection without Blood Contamination

Published on: July 11, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Traditional understanding posits sneezing expels foreign bodies via forceful nasal airflow.
  • This study challenges the conventional view of sneeze function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological mechanisms and actual function of sneezing.
  • To challenge established textbook explanations of the sneeze reflex.

Main Methods:

  • Direct pressure measurement in the mouth/pharynx during a sneeze.
  • Comparison of nasal secretion during sneezing versus forced expiration with closed airways.

Main Results:

  • Sneeze pressure reached approximately 135 mmHg within 0.1 seconds.
  • Forced expiration with closed airways produced less nasal secretion despite higher pressure, likely due to slower pressure development.
  • Proposed mechanism: high sneeze pressure stimulates secretory neurons.

Conclusions:

  • The primary function of sneezing may not be solely expelling foreign bodies.
  • Nasal secretion, possibly stimulated by pressure-induced neuronal activation, dilutes irritants, preventing lung aspiration.