ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Each cough occurs through the stimulation of a complex reflex arc. This is initiated by the irritation of cough receptors which are found in the trachea, main carina, branching points of large airways, and more distal smaller airways; also, they are present in the pharynx.

Detailed explanation-2: -The cough receptors or rapidly adapting irritant receptors are located mainly on the posterior wall of the trachea, pharynx, and at the carina of trachea, the point where the trachea branches into the main bronchi. The receptors are less abundant in the distal airways and absent beyond the respiratory bronchioles.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is located in the lower part of the trachea and is near the 5th thoracic vertebra. It tends to rise and fall as a person breathes. The carinal is quite sensitive and is responsible for triggering cough reflexes. It can, however, succumb to damage due to tracheobronchial injury or abnormal tissue growth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cough receptors in your airways detect irritants like particles, chemicals or warm or cold air. They send a message through the vagus nerve to the medulla oblongata, an area of the brain. That then uses motor neurons to cue the muscles involved in coughing.

Detailed explanation-5: -The last tracheal ring of cartilage, known as the carina, has sensory receptors that can trigger a cough reflex. Rings of cartilage increase in number while smooth muscle presence decreases as the bronchi branch and become smaller in the conducting zone.