Anatomy and Physiology of Respiratory Control System: How Are Respiratory Controlling Cells Communicating in the Brain?

Autonomic respiratory rhythm is generated in the neuronal networks in the lower brainstem, and the generated neural respiratory output is transmitted to respiratory muscles via cranial and spinal cord motor nerves to control upper airway patency and intrathoracic pressure. Among the respiratory neuronal networks, the pre-Botzinger Complex located in the bilateral ventrolateral medulla is the kernel for respiratory rhythm generation. In this chapter, we overview the localization of the neuronal networks and anatomical and physiological connectivity among the respiratory neurons. We also introduce the influential theories on the physiological mechanisms of respiratory rhythm generation and discuss how respiratory rhythm is disturbed in pathological conditions.