Abstract
In rats the 3rd to 6th bronchi, measuring 500–700 μ in diameter during inspiration, were investigated by light and electron microscopy. The histological appearance of these bronchi is comparable to that of medium sized bronchioles of larger animals. The branched and lanceolate terminals are associated with the connective tissue of the lamina propria and the smooth muscle cell layer. In this way the terminals are bound to the myoelastic system of the bronchial wall. The myelinated afferent fiber is branched and the diameter measures about 4–6 microns. Besides afferent nerve terminals these are numerous efferent endings on the smooth muscle basement laminae. It is supposed that the described receptor represents the pulmonary stretch receptor of the Hering Breuer reflex.
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