Sternutation is another term for sneezing. The term sounds like a complex medical procedure but it could be used interchangeably with sneezing. When an irritant reached the nose lining and tickles it, the nerves on the nose lining will take part by sending a signal to the brain.
The brain, then, sends a message to other parts of the body to work together to expel the irritant out the nose. That is the reason why when we sneeze, our face, eyelids, abdomen, chest, and even the mucus glands of the nose seemed to react against the irritant. Not only small particles can make us sneeze but also spicy or strong aromas and the variation of temperature. Popping pimples, rubbing one’s eye and plucking of eyebrows can make a person sneeze because these processes can irritate the nerves on the face that are connected to the nose which triggers sneezing. We can not sneeze while we sleep. This is because while we are resting, those nerves on the nose lining takes their part of the rest too.
Also, we can not sneeze with our eyes open. While the scientist are still unsure for the reason why we cannot open our eyes while sneezing, our folks has some explanation for this. They explained that it is the eyes voluntary movement to protect itself for what ever is that irritant that would come flying out when we sneeze.
