found in the smooth muscle of bronchi and bronchioles, and in visceral pleura; respond to inflation of the lungs
The smooth muscle found in the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the visceral pleura, is known as bronchial smooth muscle
The smooth muscle found in the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the visceral pleura, is known as bronchial smooth muscle. It plays an important role in regulating the diameter of the airways and the resistance to airflow in the lungs. These muscles are primarily responsible for bronchoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the airways, and bronchodilation, which is the widening of the airways.
Bronchial smooth muscles are innervated by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. The parasympathetic nervous system releases acetylcholine, which binds to muscarinic receptors on the smooth muscle cells, causing bronchoconstriction. On the other hand, the sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine, which binds to beta-adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle cells, leading to bronchodilation.
These muscles also respond to the inflation of the lungs, which is commonly referred to as the Hering-Breuer reflex. When the lungs inflate, stretch receptors located in the smooth muscles of the bronchi and bronchioles are activated. These stretch receptors send signals to the brainstem, which then sends inhibitory signals to the bronchial smooth muscles, causing them to relax and bronchodilate. This reflex is important in preventing overinflation of the lungs during deep inspiration.
In summary, the bronchial smooth muscles found in the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the visceral pleura, respond to both neural signals and mechanical forces like lung inflation. They regulate the diameter of the airways and play a crucial role in bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation, ultimately helping to control the resistance to airflow in the lungs.
More Answers:
Finding Your Natural Waistline: The Rule of Thumb Method ExplainedThe Incredible Journey from Fertilized Egg to Newborn Baby: A Comprehensive Guide to Human Development
Understanding the Differences in Internal Organs between Males and Females: A Comprehensive Exploration of Reproductive, Urinary, and Digestive Systems