How does a mouse sneeze? - briefly
An irritant stimulates sensory receptors in a mouse's nasal mucosa, prompting the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to contract and expel air through the nostrils. The burst clears the airway of particles or mucus.
How does a mouse sneeze? - in detail
Mice possess a rapid nasal‑airway reflex that expels irritants from the nasopharynx. When a particle or volatile compound contacts the olfactory epithelium, sensory receptors send signals via the trigeminal nerve to the brainstem’s sneeze center. The center coordinates a burst of activity in the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and abdominal wall, generating a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure. Simultaneously, the soft palate elevates, the glottis closes briefly, and the nasal passages constrict, building pressure behind the closed airway. Upon glottal opening, the high‑velocity airflow forces expelled air through the nostrils, carrying mucus and foreign matter outward.
Key physiological steps include:
- Sensory detection: mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors in the nasal mucosa detect mechanical disturbance or chemical irritants.
- Neural transmission: afferent fibers of the trigeminal nerve convey the stimulus to the medulla.
- Motor activation: efferent signals stimulate the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and abdominal musculature, producing a rapid contraction.
- Airway configuration: soft palate elevation and glottal closure create a sealed chamber; sudden release creates a jet of air.
- Expulsion: mucus and debris are propelled out of the nostrils at speeds exceeding 5 m/s, clearing the passage.
Mice can sneeze up to 10 times per minute when exposed to dust, strong odors, or pathogens. The reflex is essential for maintaining respiratory hygiene, preventing infection, and preserving olfactory function. The entire sequence lasts less than 200 ms, illustrating the efficiency of the mammalian sneeze mechanism even in small rodents.