Why do we blink in response to loud sounds?

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Ok, you are sitting, minding your own business and all of a sudden you hear loud sound. BANGGGG!!! How will you respond? You will turn to see what it is. Not only that, you will also blink your eyes. Ever realized that? Do you know why do you blink your eyes? Read on to find out.


This blinking is actually a protective mechanism, scientifically termed as the acoustic startle reflex eye blink. In the past, people were very vulnerable to attacks, and loud sounds meant that they were being either attacked or about to be injured by objects. Eyes are to be protected first, as they are very sensitive. So, in response to loud sounds, a cluster of giant neurons called caudal pontine reticular nucleus gets instantly activated, which activates the motor neurons in the brain. These motor neurons inform the facial nerves and muscles to close the eyes, thus preventing it from any kind of harm.


In short, it is a natural reflex developed over the years by humans to keep the eyes safe.


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