An irritation of the nasal mucosa may result in

Options

A. Coughing
B. Sighing
C. Hiccuping
D. Sneezing

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Nasal Mucosa**:
- The nasal mucosa is a specialized tissue lining the nasal cavity. It plays a crucial role in filtering, humidifying, and warming the air we breathe. The initial one-third of the nasal cavity is lined with hair (cilia) that provides physical protection.

2. **Function of Nasal Mucosa**:
- The nasal mucosa contains secretory glands that produce mucus, which traps foreign particles such as dust and pollen. Additionally, it has chemosensitive cells that detect chemical changes in the environment, including odors and irritants.

3. **Response to Irritation**:
- When the nasal mucosa is irritated by foreign particles (like pollen or dust), it triggers a protective reflex. This reflex is essential for expelling irritants from the nasal passages.

4. **Identifying the Protective Reflex**:
- The primary protective reflex associated with irritation of the nasal mucosa is sneezing. Sneezing is a forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, aimed at clearing the nasal passages of irritants.

5. **Differentiating Other Reflexes**:
- While coughing is also a protective reflex, it is primarily associated with irritation of the respiratory tract (not specifically the nasal mucosa). Other reflexes like sighing and hiccuping are not directly related to nasal irritation.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the irritation of the nasal mucosa primarily results in sneezing.

### Final Answer:
An irritation of the nasal mucosa may result in **sneezing**.

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