Protective reflexes Flashcards
What is a protective reflex?
Is an automatic involuntary response to protect the body from injury or infection.
What are 4 examples of a protective reflex?
- sneezing
- coughing
- vomiting
- diarrhea
What is the stimulus for sneezing?
Irritation of the walls of the nasal cavity.
How does sneezing prevent infection?
The forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, carries mucus and foreign particles out of the mouth and nose.
What is the stimulus for coughing?
Irritation of the lower respiratory tract, bronchi and bronchioles.
How does coughing prevent infection?
Air is forced from the lungs to try and remove an irritant.
What is the stimulus for vomiting?
- Psychological stimuli
- stretching of the stomach
- bacterial toxins
How does vomiting prevent infection?
The contraction of the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm expels stomach contents.
What is the stimulus for diarrhoea?
The irritation of the small and large intestines bacteria, viruses or protozoans.
How does diarrhoea prevent infection?
The increased contractions of muscles in the intestine in the intestine wall remove the irritant.
