Description

This diagram details the body-spanning circuit underlying cough and vomiting. Irritation of sensory neurons in the larynx (A) or the stomach (J) initiates signals that travel through the vagus nerve (B) to pre-motor neurons (M, D), and onwards to motor neurons (F,H) that then control the movement of the chest and abdominal wall muscles (K) or the smooth muscle of the stomach (I), respectively. The cough reflex is extremely important for clearing the lungs of impediments that inhibit their gas-exchanging function. Its dysregulation can lead to damage of the airway mucosa and degrade quality of life. New targets for cough-suppressant drugs are being sought in the sensory neurons in the lungs and throat (A) and include blockers of transmembrane channels aimed at reducing nerve excitability. 3D print by Jeremy Swan based on an original illustration by Santiago Ramon y Cajal. Courtesy of the Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council or CSIC©