[Human respiratory sensory system, its physiological role]

Modern data on genesis and functional role of sensations associated with respiration, were analysed. Regularities of human perception of the respiratory cycle's parameters have been cited. Respiratory discomfort occurring in an increased loading of the respiratory system, as well as an imperative respiration stimulus developing in a prolonged apnoe or obvious hypoventilation, are regarded as defensive responses to a threat to normal ventilation of the lungs. The central link in mechanisms of the respiratory sensory system seems to involve pulses from receptors of the respiratory muscles.