Sneeze

A sneeze is a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air through the nose and mouth, usually triggered by irritation of the nasal lining.

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Sneezing reflex: A protective neural reflex that expels air after sensory stimulation of the nasal lining. It links nasal irritation to the sneeze’s involuntary motor sequence.
Nasal cavity: The air-filled passage behind the nose, divided by the nasal septum and lined with mucous membrane. The sneeze reflex commonly begins when this passage is irritated.
Allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic response to airborne substances. Sneezing is a common symptom when allergens inflame the nasal lining.
Cough: A protective reflex that forcefully expels air, usually from the lower respiratory tract through the mouth. Coughing clears lower airways, while sneezing is usually triggered in the nose.
Trigeminal nerve: The cranial nerve that carries facial sensation and controls muscles involved in chewing. Its sensory branches detect many irritants that initiate sneezing.
Nasal septum: The wall of cartilage and bone that separates the left and right nasal cavities. Its surrounding lining is among the nasal surfaces that can be irritated.
Common cold: A contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually causing nasal and throat symptoms. Viral irritation of the nose often produces bouts of sneezing.
Snoring: A sound produced when airflow causes tissues in the upper airway to vibrate during sleep. Snoring is repetitive airflow vibration, not a sudden protective expulsion.
Medulla oblongata: The lower part of the brainstem, which regulates vital functions and coordinates reflexes. Brainstem circuits coordinate the breathing and muscle actions of a sneeze.
Mucociliary clearance: The movement of mucus and trapped particles out of the airways by coordinated ciliary beating. It provides a slower airway-cleaning process alongside the rapid sneeze.