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Yawn
Yawning is thought by some to be a partly automatic response produced by the brainstem in reaction to lower levels of oxygen in the brain. The brainstem is an area in the lower part of the brain that connects it with the spinal cord. This area of the brain controls many functions crucial for life to continue. Yawning can also be caused when the lungs do not get enough oxygen. Seeing other people yawn tends to increase the chance that one will yawn. In fact 55% of people will yawn within five minutes of seeing someone else yawn. Even reading about yawning can make you yawn!
2. To open the mouth wide. Yawn comes from the Middle English word "yanen" meaning "to gape" (open the mouth wide).
1. An involuntary opening of the mouth, usually accompanied by a movement to take a deep breath. The average yawn lasts about 6 seconds. When an animal yawns, movements of the upper body may be observed that help the chest expand and allow more air to be taken in. Yawning usually occurs when people are bored, tired, or depressed. Yawning does not always mean that one is tired, but people who are tired do tend to yawn. Yawning can also occur when vital signs decline, such as after a large amount of blood is lost. Vital signs are measurements of blood flow, body temperature, and breathing, all functions that are essential (vital) for life to continue.
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