Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Bronchoconstriction is defined as the narrowing of the airways in the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles). Air flow in air passages can get restricted in three ways: [3] a spasmodic state of the smooth muscles in bronchi and bronchioles; an inflammation in the middle layers of the bronchi and bronchioles; excessive production of mucus.
Bronchospasm or a bronchial spasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused by the release (degranulation) of substances from mast cells or basophils under the influence of anaphylatoxins. It causes difficulty in breathing which ranges from mild to severe.
The parasympathetic nervous system decreases respiration and heart rate and increases digestion. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in: Constriction of pupils; Decreased heart rate and blood pressure; Constriction of bronchial muscles; Stimulation of digestion and gastric emptying; Increased production of saliva and mucus
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) occurs when the airways narrow as a result of exercise. This condition has been referred to as exercise-induced asthma (EIA); however, this term is no longer preferred. [1] While exercise does not cause asthma, it is frequently an asthma trigger. [1]
M 3 receptors directly lead to airway smooth muscle contraction, i.e., an increase in airway tone, while M 2 receptors (also) expressed by airway neurons suppress the further release of acetylcholine in a negative feedback loop, wherein cholinergic parasympathetic signalling reduces further cholinergic parasympathetic signalling, which may ...
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (or other combinations with airway or hyperreactivity, BH used as a general abbreviation) [1] is a state characterised by easily triggered bronchospasm (contraction of the bronchioles or small airways). Bronchial hyperresponsiveness can be assessed with a bronchial challenge test.
In most cases, vagal tone is not measured directly. Instead the processes affected by the vagus nerve – specifically heart rate and heart rate variability – are measured and used as a surrogate for vagal tone. Increased vagal tone (and thus vagal action) is generally associated with a lower heart rate and increased heart rate variability.
The parasympathetic reflex loop consists of afferent nerve endings which originate under the inner lining of the bronchus. Whenever these afferent nerve endings are stimulated (for example, by dust, cold air or fumes) impulses travel to the brain-stem vagal center, then down the vagal efferent pathway to again reach the bronchial small airways.