[Systems principle for separating out neuron groups as relatively independent working units]

The respiratory center has been studied as an example of the neural center organization. This organization is presented by a number of cellular populations, each of them consisting of several neuronal groups (components of the populations) of various types. These groups are considered as relatively autonomic sets of various neuronal categories, where 1-5 large efferent (phase) neurons are present as a central link. Analyzing the spatial arrangement and functional interrelations of the neurons in the group, it is possible to conclude that the groups revealed (respirons) are functional units of neuronal activity. Applying the theory of functional system (P. K. Anokhin) for analyzing connections between the neurons in the group and the afferent impulsation that gets into action sphere of the group, it is possible to formulate certain criteria on integrity and a relative functional independence of the neuronal groups as working units of neuronal activity, in which the reticular component of the groups as widely represented in all parts of the CNS, a suggestion is made that the respirons are the natural invariant of the structure when the cerebral function is reorganized.