Laryngeal reflex mechanism during deglutition--observation of subglottal pressure and afferent discharge.

In this investigation, particular attention was paid to elucidate the laryngeal reflex mechanism of protective closure and the sensory function of the larynx during deglutition. For this purpose, three different experimental procedures were adopted: (1) subglottal pressure of felines was measured during deglutition using a pressure transducer; (2) subglottal pressure of human beings was measured during deglutition using a pressure transducer; and (3) afferent discharges from superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves of felines were recorded. The following conclusions appear justified. (1) Feline and human subglottal pressure during deglutition showed the following pattern. The pressure rises with onset of deglutition, temporarily drops during laryngeal elevation, rises again during the downward movement of the larynx, and drops again at the end of the glutition. This pattern was not affected by the resection of the unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve. (2) The superior laryngeal nerve is involved in the sensory function of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea. At least two types of afferent discharges from superficial and internal sensory nerves are suspected. Afferent discharges from the recurrent laryngeal nerves in the larynx and trachea are not as distinct as those of the superior laryngeal nerve, and this seems to correspond with various changes in the thorax. During deglutition, afferent discharges were recorded from superior to recurrent laryngeal nerves.