which type of barrier are coughing and sneezing? 1: mechanical 2: chemical

which type of barrier are coughing and sneezing?

1: mechanical

2: chemical

3: biological

4: physical

Answer: 1: mechanical

Coughing and sneezing are reflexive movements that also play a role in preventing bodily contagion of pathogens and other potentially hazardous particulate matters. These actions include the actual ‘bellows’ of blowing air out of the respiratory tract which assists in expelling contaminants such as pathogenic agents, aerosols, pollutants, and mucus among others present in the respiratory tract and the nasal cavity. Coughing is an involuntary response that results from irritation within the respiratory passageways while sneezing is another body response that is attributed to irritation within the nasal mucosa. These mechanical barriers mainly involve using of barriers that effectively minimize the ability of dangerous particles to penetrate deeper into the respiratory system. Other examples of mechanical barriers include mucus, cilia and Epiglottis that act as body shields or body protectors to the respiratory system and also ensure that the system is functioning properly.