Airway Sensory Nerves (ASN)

Airway sensory nerves are peripheral nerves that detect and respond to stimuli within the respiratory tract, regulating reflexes such as cough, bronchoconstriction, breathing patterns, and mucus secretion. They are primarily afferent fibers originating from the vagal and dorsal root ganglia, comprising various subtypes (stretch receptors, nociceptors) that express distinct molecular markers and neuropeptides. They play a crucial role in protecting against inhaled irritants and pathogens but can also contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic cough due to their plasticity.

Other names

Pulmonary afferent nervesBronchial afferent nervesRespiratory sensory neurons

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