• Question: why do we yawn? or itch? or go red when we are embarassed? (:

    Asked by elliemasters to Betul, Bridget, Ceri-Wyn, Maria on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: . This question was also asked by joel.
    • Photo: Bridget Waller

      Bridget Waller answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Great questions! We yawn to get extra oxygen, BUT it can also act as a signal. It is contagious and so might hep us coordinate activity with others! We itch do we can scratch…which might be a good idea if a spider is about to bite you… And we go red as a response to sudden increase in heart rate when embarassed. This is an autonomic nervous system response, and makes the blood rush to the surface of the skin to be cooled. We are getting ready to fight or run away!

    • Photo: Ceri-Wyn Thomas

      Ceri-Wyn Thomas answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      I guess it’s because we have an increased blood supply to our facial region when we’re embarrassed or nervous. The trouble is, I don’t really know why this would happen! Perhaps Bridget can give a more comprehensive answer?!

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