Tag: Involuntary reflexes

While yawning is a universal and evolutionary conserved behavior observed in nearly all vertebrates, starting as early as 11 weeks in human fetuses, it's also a reflex that many attempt to stifle. But what happens if you don't open your mouth when you yawn? Physically possible but often unsatisfying, the stifled yawn prevents the full physiological process and leaves you with an incomplete sensation.

Did you know a sneeze can travel up to 100 miles per hour? While this rapid expulsion of air is a powerful and involuntary reflex, many people wonder, can people control the way they sneeze? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.