microglia

When they’re damaged, it can interfere with the brain’s ability to communicate with the muscles and organs, and can result in the loss of motor function, sensory function, or both. Damage to the peripheral nerves can also result in peripheral neuropathy, which is a general term for malfunctioning of these nerves.

neural basis final

Efferent division of the PNS The efferent division sends information from the nervous system to the organs of the body which then carry out the appropriate response. The efferent division is generally a link between the central nervous system and the effector organs so that the CNS can regulate the various responses.

The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions:

• Sympathetic.
• Parasympathetic.

The hypothalamus is the key brain site for central control of the autonomic nervous system, and the paraventricular nucleus is the key hypothalamic site for this control.

Although most of the autonomic nervous system responses are involuntary, they can integrate with the somatic nervous system, which is responsible for the voluntary movements.

The autonomic nervous system comprises two parts- the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response during a threat or perceived danger, and the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to a state of calm.

Background: Cough responses are mediated by the vagus nerve which also carries autonomic parasympathetic fibres. We hypothesised that chronic cough may be associated with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.

medulla oblongata

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (Arnold’s nerve) supplies the external acoustic meatus. Induction of cough by manipulation of the ear is known as Arnold’s nerve reflex or ear-cough reflex.

Coughing is a natural body response. When mucus, germs, and dust irritate your throat and airway, your body responds by coughing. Similar to other reflexes, such as sneezing or blinking, coughing helps protect your body. Your throat and airways are equipped with nerves that sense irritants.

As the diaphragm and other muscles involved in breathing press against the lungs, the glottis suddenly opens, producing an explosive outflow of air at speeds greater than 100 miles (160 km) per hour. In normal situations, most people cough once or twice an hour during the day to clear the airway of irritants.

Coughing is a routine bodily function, but when it lasts for an extended time, it can get in the way of everyday life and be worrying. A chronic cough can be wet and produce phlegm or dry and tickle the throat. A chronic cough is when a cough lasts longer than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children.

Key Facts. Coughing is an important reflex that helps protect your airway and lungs against irritants. Coughing can propel air and particles out of your lungs and throat at speeds close to 50 miles per hour. Occasional coughing is normal as it helps clear your throat and airway of germs, mucus and dust.

It is not physically possible to cough up a lung, but there are a number of ways that violent coughing can hurt your body, from coughing up blood to cracking your ribs. If you’ve had a persistent cough for more than a few weeks, call your doctor. Chronic bronchitis. (2019).

Ways to clear the lungs

1. Steam therapy. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus.
2. Controlled coughing.
3. Drain mucus from the lungs.
4. Exercise.
5. Green tea.
6. Anti-inflammatory foods.
7. Chest percussion.