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Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine
Published in: Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Review

Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc

Authors: Mario Polverino, Francesca Polverino, Marco Fasolino, Filippo Andò, Antonio Alfieri, Francesco De Blasio

Published in: Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Coughing is an important defensive reflex that occurs through the stimulation of a complex reflex arc. It accounts for a significant number of consultations both at the level of general practitioner and of respiratory specialists. In this review we first analyze the cough reflex under normal conditions; then we analyze the anatomy and the neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc. The aim of this review is to provide the anatomic and pathophysiologic elements of evaluation of the complex and multiple etiologies of cough.
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Metadata
Title
Anatomy and neuro-pathophysiology of the cough reflex arc
Authors
Mario Polverino
Francesca Polverino
Marco Fasolino
Filippo Andò
Antonio Alfieri
Francesco De Blasio
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 2049-6958
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-6958-7-5

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