An overview of vagal airway receptors

Breathing is critically depending on a variety of sensory feedbacks from multiple sources for its optimal performance. The sensory information from the lung and airways probably provides one of the most important feedbacks to adjust the respiratory controller to generate optimal breathing movements. Since Breuer and Hering made the seminal report regarding role of the vagus nerve in control of breathing in 1868, airway sensory receptors have been a subject for intensive and extensive studies. After more than a century investigation, our knowledge accumulates immensely, however, our understanding of the nature of these sensory receptors is still far from complete. This brief review provides an overview on this topic.