Abstract
This review deals with the histology and receptor physiology of sensory endings in the lungs and respiratory tract. Reflex actions are mentioned briefly, and more detailed accounts of the motor responses can be obtained from the references cited. No description of the sensory receptors in the nose is attempted, partly because this subject is intrinsically linked with the special sense of smell, and also because the functions of receptors in the nose, other than those mediating the sensation of smell, have been rather surprisingly neglected; this is possibly because a more difficult surgical approach is needed for physiological studies on the nose, compared with lungs and larynx. The review will also omit discussion of receptors of the pharynx; although these have been shown to influence breathing, their primary action, swallowing, is related more to the alimentary than to the respiratory system.
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Fillenz, M., Widdicombe, J.G. (1972). Receptors of the Lungs and Airways. In: Neil, E. (eds) Enteroceptors. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 3 / 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65252-3_3
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