Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups
Published on: April 24, 2017
Maturation of respiratory reflex responses in the fetus and neonate
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, 11000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. jxa16@po.cwru.edu
Abstract:
Respiratory control in the fetus and neonate is quite immature when compared to that of adults. This immaturity involves all facets of respiration including respiratory responses to hypoxia, hypercapnia, an exaggerated apnoeic response to laryngeal stimulation and immature responses to activation of pulmonary afferents. The net result of this immaturity of breathing responses is the vulnerability of neonates and especially preterm infants to apnoea and respiratory pauses. The mechanisms behind immature control of breathing are not fully understood, but seem to originate from a predominance of inhibitory input early in life on respiratory centres. The relative contribution of up-regulation of inhibitory pathways versus down-regulation of excitatory ones is not clear. Multiple neurotransmitters have been implicated in the regulation of breathing in mammals and some of them are discussed in this chapter.
More Related Videos
05:28Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
06:32Preparation of Rhythmically-active In Vitro Neonatal Rodent Brainstem-spinal Cord and Thin Slice
Published on: March 23, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Factors Affecting Respiration