The lungs are innervated by two autonomic nervous system components:
- parasympathetic/vagus nerves (origin: cranial and sacral nerves)
- sympathetic nerves (origin: thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord)


The image below shows a schematic of pulmonary nerve innervation: afferent fibers transmit information from peripheral organs back to the CNS, while efferent fibers send impulses from the CNS to peripheral organs.
- Research has found several afferent nerves capable of initiating coughs upon activation, with roles in the regulation of breathing patterns
- Nociceptors (peripheral afferents) detect noxious stimuli to mediate coughing and pain responses, with recent literature supporting their ability to cross-talk with pulmonary immune cells

PNS Innervation of the Lungs

The sympathetic nervous system is a subset of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates the body's "fight or flight" response to stressful situations, though processes in this system are almost always active to maintain homeostasis. Due to its role as a direct mediator between the central nervous system and peripheral organs, researchers have hypothesized in its involvement in human pathophysiology and immunity. 
- Sensory nerves innervate the lungs to regulate various cardiopulmonary functions, lending to the hypothesis of its ability to modulate the severity of respiratory diseases.

The image below illustrates sympathetic nerve innervation of their target organs. 

Smith College

Michigan State University

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a subset of the peripheral nervous system. The word "autonomic" describes its role in regulating involuntary and unconscious bodily function, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and sexual arousal. The system consists of motor neurons (ganglia) and its axonal connections, and is functionally divided into three components:
- sympathetic nervous system
- parasympathetic nervous system 
- enteric nervous system

Autonomic Nervous System

Wikipedia

Ray, P. R., Wangzhou, A., Ghneim, N., Yousuf, M. S., Paige, C., Tavares-Ferreira, D., ... & Neerukonda, S. V. (2020). A pharmacological interactome between COVID-19 patient samples and human sensory neurons reveals potential drivers of neurogenic pulmonary dysfunction. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.  doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.078. https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S088915912030670X?token=47BD27DF03A0DC9F9945F6E90A2137EAFCB238A79393A82CA3917F589C6702E1240C841686F05BA6D96293A4B2699299

A pharmacological interactome between COVID-19 patient samples and human sensory neurons reveals potential drivers of neurogenic pulmonary dysfunction

Sympathetic Nervous System

The Enteric Nervous System is a subset of the Autonomic Nervous System. It controls the gastrointestinal functioning. It is also called the " second brain" as it can function independently of the brain and spinal cord, although it can be influenced by them. Being imbedded in the gastrointestinal tract from the oesophagus to the anus, it controls the motor functioning of the G.I tract along with controlling the secretions of the gastrointestinal enzymes. The neurons of ENS are embedded into two types of ganglia: Myenteric Plexus and Submucosal  Plexus. The myenteric plexus is embedded between the inner and outer layer of muscularis externa (layer of smooth muscles). The submucosal plexus is embedded in the submucosal layer. 

Enteric Nervous System

After a perceived threat has been resolved, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes active, initiating restorative processes that return the body to a relaxed state of equilibrium, often called the 'rest-and-digest' response. This system counteracts the fight-or-flight response by normalizing bodily functions. For example, it causes heart rate and blood pressure to decrease to normal levels, pupils to constrict, and bladder control to be restored. Additionally, it promotes energy conservation by stimulating the liver to store glucose in the form of glycogen for future use.

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