Question

Is it cough reflex that is responsible for sneezing, or is sneezing caused by some other reflex?

Answer 1

the sneeze reflex is very similar to the cough reflex. the difference is that the sneeze reflex applies to the nasal passages unlike the cough reflex that is geared toward the lower respiratory passages. sneeze reflex is stimulated by irriation of the nerves in the nasal passage, which causes the afferent nerve impulses to pass to cranial nerve 5 and onto the medulla where the reflex is initiated. this reaction is similar to the cough reflex however the uvula is depressed thus preventing air from exisiting the mouth, in effect causing a large amount of air to leave through the nose. this causes air to pass through the nose thus causing the clearance of nasal passages of foreign matter and mucus.