Final answer:
The main purpose of eye blinking is to clean and protect the eye by keeping it hydrated and clear of debris, known as the corneal reflex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose of eye blinking is A. Clean the eye. This natural response known as the corneal reflex acts as a protective mechanism to keep the eye hydrated and free from debris. When the cornea, a protective layer on the front of the eye, is stimulated by factors such as tactile sensations or bright lights, it triggers a blink.
The generated movement involves sensory information traveling through the trigeminal nerve and motor responses through the facial nerve which activates the orbicularis oculi muscle. This protective response is an innate behavior, and on average, we blink 15 to 20 times per minute to maintain eye health and function.