The medullary respiratory neurons: a review.
The medullary respiratory neurons involved in the generation of respiratory rhythm are reviewed. The subject is introduced by a brief description to the history of respiratory neurophysiology and of the pontine respiratory neurons. A detailed neurophysiological review is presented for the medullary respiratory neurons: their locations, morphology, firing patterns, afferent connections, axonal connections, and functional interrelations. The significance of the medullary respiratory neurons for rhythmogenesis is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002529:Cerebellar Nuclei / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D011149:Pons / Q000502:physiology; D012119:Respiration; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000294:innervation*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology