Innervation of the Respiratory System

Question 1

Which nerve provides parasympathetic input to the lungs and where does this nerve originate from?

Answer 1

The vagus nerve - this innervates from the medulla.

Question 2

What is the nerve supply to the parietal pleura?

Answer 2

The diaphragmatic parietal pleura and the mediastinal parietal pleura is innervated by the phrenic nerve. The costal parietal pleura and the cervical pleura is innervated by the intercostal nerve.

Question 3

What is the nerve supply to the visceral pleura?

Answer 3

The pulmonary plexus. The pulmonary plexus is an autonomic plexus formed from pulmonary branches of vagus nerve and the sympathetic trunk. The plexus is in continuity with the deep cardiac plexus.

Question 4

What innervates the diaphragm and what are its spinal root values?

Answer 4

Phrenic nerve which originates form C3, C4 and C5.