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Related Concept Videos

Neural Control of Respiration01:18

Neural Control of Respiration

The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
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 Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
Physiological Control of Respiration01:23

Physiological Control of Respiration

Introduction
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...
Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...

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Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
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Brainstem respiratory networks: building blocks and microcircuits.

Jeffrey C Smith1, Ana P L Abdala, Anke Borgmann

  • 1Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA. smithj2@helix.nih.gov

Trends in Neurosciences
|December 21, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Mammalian breathing relies on the respiratory central pattern generator (CPG) in the brainstem. New research reveals its microcircuit organization enables diverse breathing patterns, aiding treatment for breathing disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Breathing is controlled by rhythmic neural activity from the brainstem's respiratory central pattern generator (CPG).
  • The CPG regulates blood gases and integrates respiration with other motor functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review new insights into the spatial-functional organization of CPG neural microcircuits.
  • To understand how CPG microcircuit organization generates diverse breathing patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Multidisciplinary experimental studies.
  • Computational modeling of neural circuits.

Main Results:

  • The CPG's microcircuit organization is key to generating multiple rhythmic breathing patterns.
  • Adaptive switching between breathing patterns occurs based on physiological or pathophysiological states.

Conclusions:

  • The detailed microcircuit organization of the CPG allows for flexible and adaptive respiratory control.
  • Understanding CPG microcircuits offers potential for targeted interventions in neural breathing disorders.