h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is there a reflex that causes you to stop breathing when very cold water runs over the eyes. it's just I had a nose bleed the other day and was advised, by my dad, to go and run my nose under the tap while while bleeding I moved my head slightly so that my eyes were under the tap and suddenly I couldn't breathe, moved my head out again and was fine, back in couldn't breathe.

no its not because the water was running into my mouth and nose. does anyone know if this is a reflex action and if so whats the point?

There is a reflex which gets you to hold your breath when cold water is splashed on your face - which is why you can put very small babies in a swimming pool without fear of them inhaling water....but be warned, there seems to be a related reflex that makes them pee

The same reflex (the diving reflex) in humans also causes the heart rate to decrease when the face is immersed in water. This reflex is common, and more pronounced, among aquatic mammals, where it helps to minimise oxygen consumption when underwater, leading its presence in humans to be used as a piece of supporting evidence for the Alister Hardy / Elaine Morgan aquatic ape theory.

Just though I'd boot this to the top purely because it's the entry currently samck bang at the bottom of askh2g2.

I note that it contains posts from two currently still very active members of h2g2

OK, now I'm intrigued.

Duncan has a *higher* user number than me yet appears to have posted this about three months prior to me registering at h2g2!

Let's try that again.

Orcus, you're my twin, we joined in 1999! This was posted 9 months *after* we joined.

Yes, I just had a moment when I realised I had the wrong year!

Never mind, go and have a lie down for a bit.