Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2025
Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation BreEStim for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
Published on: January 10, 2013
Forebrain control of breathing: Anatomy and potential functions
Karl M Schottelkotte1, Steven A Crone2,3,4
1Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
The forebrain is crucial for regulating breathing to meet behavioral and physiological needs. This review highlights key forebrain areas involved in respiratory control and identifies research gaps.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The forebrain is known to control vital functions, including breathing.
- Breathing must adapt to changing internal and external conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking forebrain structures to respiratory control.
- To identify specific forebrain regions involved in matching breathing to needs.
- To highlight areas for future research in forebrain-driven breathing regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anatomical and functional studies.
- Synthesis of evidence implicating specific forebrain regions.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in the field.
Main Results:
- The cerebral cortex, extended amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and thalamus are implicated in breathing control.
- These forebrain regions are proposed to integrate various needs to regulate breathing.
- The precise roles and mechanisms require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Forebrain structures play a significant role in adaptive respiratory control.
- Understanding these roles is essential for addressing respiratory disorders.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved.
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
05:44The c-FOS Protein Immunohistological Detection: A Useful Tool As a Marker of Central Pathways Involved in Specific Physiological Responses In Vivo and Ex Vivo
Published on: April 25, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:18Neural 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...
01:22Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
01:23Physiological 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...
01:17Other 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...
01:21Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla
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...
01:19Brainstem
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...