Vagal Afferent Influences On The Phasic Activity Of The Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle

Abstract

The respiratory activity of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle is strongly influenced by both pulmonary stretch and pressor receptors. These influences are mediated by afferent fibers in the vagus nerves. This demonstration is made possible by the unique anatomic arrangement of the right vagus nerve in the cat, which allows accurate separation of afferent from efferent fibers in its cervical portion.