Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

Abstract

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.

Keywords

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