Anatomy Of Coughing

Question 1

What sensory receptors are stimulated in coughing?

Answer 1

CN IX (glossofaryngeal) - in the oropharyngeal mucosa
CN X (vagus) - in the laryngopharyngeal mucosa

Question 2

What are the carotid sheaths?

Answer 2

Protective tubes of deep cervical fascia
Extending from the neck to the base of the skull

Question 3

What does the carotid sheaths contain in them?

Answer 3

Vagus nerve
Internal carotid artery
Common carotid artery
Internal jugular vein

Question 4

What does the pulmonary plexus do?

Answer 4

Carry motor impulses to the airways and lungs which cause bronchiolar muscle contraction, gland secretion, and vasodilatation.

Carry: sympathetic and parasympathetic axons, visceral afferents

Question 5

What is the mechanism of the action potentials of bringing about a cough

Answer 5

Pulmonary visceral afferent travel from visceral pleura and respiratory tree to the plexus then follow the vagus nerve to the medulla of the brainstem

Question 6

What is the CNS response to sensory action potentials to endure a cough?

Answer 6

Encourages a deep intake of breath by contraction of diaphragm (phrenic nerve) and intercostal muscles (intercostal nerves) and activates accessory muscles of inspiration