35. The control of respiration
35. The control of respiration
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter considers breathing as an automatic, rhythmical process that is constantly adjusted to meet the everyday requirements of life, such as exercise and speech. It addresses three important questions: Where does this rhythmical activity originate? How is it generated? How is the rate and depth of respiration controlled? The chapter talks about the basic respiratory rhythm, which is maintained even if all the afferent nerves are cut. The chapter explains how the basic rhythm of respiration continues, even if the brainstem of an anaesthetized animal is completely cut through above the pons. Cutting the spinal cord below the outflow of the phrenic nerve leads to paralysis of the intercostal muscles but not of the diaphragm.
