Related Experiment Videos
Differential costal and crural diaphragm compensation for posture changes.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Diaphragm muscle activation increases with head-up posture and CO2 levels. Crural diaphragm activity increases more than costal diaphragm activity, suggesting separate neural control for these muscle portions.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration.
- Understanding differential activation of its costal and crural portions is crucial for respiratory control research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare electromyographic (EMG) activity of the costal and crural diaphragm during postural changes and hypercapnia in anesthetized cats.
- To investigate the neural regulation of these distinct diaphragm regions.
Main Methods:
- Bipolar fine-wire electrodes were used to record diaphragm EMG in 12 anesthetized cats.
- Recordings were taken during supine and head-up postures, with progressive hyperoxic hypercapnia.
Main Results:
- Both costal and crural diaphragm activity increased in the head-up position compared to supine, across all CO2 levels.
- Increases in crural diaphragm activity were more pronounced than costal activity due to both posture changes and CO2 stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Diaphragm activation is modulated by changes in resting muscle length.
- Neural control mechanisms appear to allow for separate regulation of costal and crural diaphragm activation.