Question

Coughing and sneezing both attempt to ___________.

A. Force air quickly through the vocal cords in order to make an alarming sound
B. Open alveoli that have collapsed
C. Move humidified air from the lungs to the upper respiratory tract
D. Clear irritants from the airways

Answer 1

D. Clear irritants from the airways. Sneezing and coughing both help to clear irritants from the airways by expelling air forcefully and removing mucus and debris.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sneezing and coughing both attempt to clear irritants from the airways. When sneezing, nerves lining the nasal passage are irritated, resulting in a forceful expulsion of air from the mouth, which helps remove mucus and debris from the respiratory tract. Similarly, coughing is a response to irritated nerves lining the airways, causing the expulsion of air from the trachea to clear mucus and debris from the upper respiratory tract.