#3: The Ear-Cough Reflex
Arnold’s ear-cough reflex, also known as Arnold’s nerve cough reflex, is a relatively lesser-known physiological response. You might even have it but never realized it has a name and that other people also experience the same thing. It involves the stimulation of a small branch of the vagus nerve (Arnold’s nerve) that runs through the ear canal. When certain areas of the ear are irritated or stimulated, it can trigger a cough reflex.
This phenomenon is a result of the interconnected nature of nerves in the head and neck region. While the precise mechanisms behind Arnold’s ear-cough reflex are not fully understood, it serves as a reminder of the intricate connections within our nervous system and how various sensory stimuli can lead to unexpected responses. The more you know, right?