9 strange things your body does that you never knew were defense mechanisms

Our bodies are an extremely complicated collection of systems which takes people years to fully understand. 

The body does not only function to perform tasks but it protects us from harm and works in wonderful ways to make sure we survive. 

Simple things like yawning, goosebumps and crying have a certain purpose which we might not have known or realised.

Brightside compiled a few of life mysteries which might just surprise you.

View the gallery above to see what do certain actions help with or keep us safe from. 

Next time you sneeze or forget a memory, you might be grateful instead of feeling annoyed.