What Is Autonomic Innervation of the Lungs?

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and a selection of glands with both afferent and efferent pathways. Ganglia are responsible for translating the information from one place to another using neurons. The lungs are innervated by both parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Sympathetic Innervation

• The sympathetic pathway is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" reaction which is usually active in more emergent situations. It allows for increased gas exchange in the lungs by bronchodilation.

Parasympathetic Innervation

• The parasympathetic pathway is responsible for the "rest-and-digest" reaction, or the regulatory processes of the body. It allows for constriction of the bronchioles to a normal state after dilation.

Function

• The two pathways work together through different neurons and ganglia, known as the pulmonary plexus, to allow the lungs to work properly.