Page 129 - YEAR BOOK 2022-23

Who am I?
¹ I am the brightest object In the solar system. I produce three kinds of energy. Who
am I?

¹ I give you endless sources to use. I am also a home to some beings. I give shade.
Who am I?
¹ Some vehicles run on me. It takes thousands of years for me to form. I am extracted
from underground. Who am I?

¹ I support life on me. Plants grow on me. Who am I?
¹ Jewels are made up of me. I am carved to make beautiful things. I can be melted or
hardened. Who am I?

Answers: 1.sun 2.trees 3.fuel 4.earth 5.gold

R.LAKSHANA

5-C

Why Do We Hiccup?

A hiccup or hiccough is an extraordinary type of breathing movement. It involves a
sudden intake of air due to an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. The abrupt rush
of air into the lungs causes epiglottis to close, creating a “hic” sound.
When diaphragm gets irritated, it pulls down in a jerky way, which makes us suck air into
our throat suddenly. The air rushes in and hits our voice box causing the epiglottis to
close.The column of air strikes the closed glottis to produce the characteristic sound: a
hiccup. The term hiccup derives from the sound of the event.
The hiccup is an involuntary reflex. A reflex is a response on the part of the body to some
sort of specific stimulation. Sneezing and coughing are actually normal reflexes in
which a blast of air is used to help the body get rid of material it doesn't want. Vomiting is
a very strong reflex action of this same type.
Hiccups often occur after drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol. Prolonged laughter
is also known to cause hiccups. Eating too quickly, swallowing hot or irritating
substances causes hiccups.
Hiccups are cured easily without medical intervention. In most cases they can be
stopped simply by forgetting about them. Almost all cases of the hiccups last only a few
minutes. Prolonged hiccups for days or weeks require medical intervention.

U.Harishree

8B