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Jan 9
The nervous innervation of the lungs is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
The sympathetic nervous system, through its preganglionic fibers originating from the thoracic spinal cord, innervates the lungs. These fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic ganglia located in the sympathetic chain. The postganglionic fibers then travel to the lungs, where they release norepinephrine onto adrenergic receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes bronchodilation, relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways, and an increase in the rate and depth of breathing. This sympathetic innervation helps to increase airflow and oxygenation during times of stress or exercise.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system, through its preganglionic fibers originating from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), innervates the lungs. These fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons located in the walls of the airways. The postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction, constriction of the smooth muscles in the airways, and a decrease in the rate and depth of breathing. This parasympathetic innervation helps to regulate airflow and maintain homeostasis during rest or relaxation.
In addition to the autonomic nervous system, the lungs also receive sensory innervation from the vagus nerve. These sensory fibers detect changes in lung function, such as lung stretch, irritants, or inflammation, and transmit this information back to the brain for processing and response.
Overall, the nervous innervation of the lungs plays a crucial role in regulating airflow, maintaining homeostasis, and responding to various physiological and environmental stimuli.
The sympathetic nervous system, through its preganglionic fibers originating from the thoracic spinal cord, innervates the lungs. These fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic ganglia located in the sympathetic chain. The postganglionic fibers then travel to the lungs, where they release norepinephrine onto adrenergic receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes bronchodilation, relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways, and an increase in the rate and depth of breathing. This sympathetic innervation helps to increase airflow and oxygenation during times of stress or exercise.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system, through its preganglionic fibers originating from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), innervates the lungs. These fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons located in the walls of the airways. The postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction, constriction of the smooth muscles in the airways, and a decrease in the rate and depth of breathing. This parasympathetic innervation helps to regulate airflow and maintain homeostasis during rest or relaxation.
In addition to the autonomic nervous system, the lungs also receive sensory innervation from the vagus nerve. These sensory fibers detect changes in lung function, such as lung stretch, irritants, or inflammation, and transmit this information back to the brain for processing and response.
Overall, the nervous innervation of the lungs plays a crucial role in regulating airflow, maintaining homeostasis, and responding to various physiological and environmental stimuli.
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