Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

Mario Polverino; Francesca Polverino; Marco Fasolino; Filippo Andò; Antonio Alfieri; Francesco De Blasio

doi:10.4081/mrm.2012.592

Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

Authors

Mario Polverino Lung Diseases Institute, Medical Sciences Department, ASL Salerno, Viale S. Francesco, Nocera Inferiore (SA)
Francesca Polverino Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA
Marco Fasolino Neurology Institute, Medical Sciences Department, ASL Salerno, Viale S. Francesco, Nocera Inferiore (SA)
Filippo Andò Lung Diseases Institute, University of Messina Medical School, Messina
Antonio Alfieri Lung Diseases Institute, Medical Sciences Department, ASL Salerno, Viale S. Francesco, Nocera Inferiore (SA)
Francesco De Blasio Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Section, Clinic Center, Naples

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2012.592

Keywords:

Cough, C-Fibers, Rapidly adapting receptors, Reflex arc, Slowly adapting stretch receptors

Abstract

Coughing is an important defensive reflex that occurs through the stimulation of a complex reflex arc. It accounts for a significant number of consultations both at the level of general practitioner and of respiratory specialists. In this review we first analyze the cough reflex under normal conditions; then we analyze the anatomy and the neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc. The aim of this review is to provide the anatomic and pathophysiologic elements of evaluation of the complex and multiple etiologies of cough.

Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

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