Final answer:
The lungs are innervated by the autonomic nervous system, which includes both sympathetic and parasympathetic components responsible for bronchodilation and bronchoconstriction, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The innervation of the lungs is part of the autonomic nervous system, which includes both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These two systems are responsible for controlling the dilation and constriction of the airway. Specifically, the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for bronchodilation, which helps increase airflow during times of stress or exercise. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system is involved in bronchoconstriction, which slows down airflow and is part of the rest-and-digest response.
All these responses are part of the body's involuntary or autonomic processes, and they play a crucial role during different physiological states, such as relaxation or exercise. The sensory nerve fibers related to lung function arise primarily from the vagus nerve and from nerve fibers associated with the second to fifth thoracic ganglia, forming the pulmonary plexus at the lung root. These nerves innervate muscle fibers, glands, and blood vessels within the lungs.