Pneumotaxic center

The pneumotaxic center (or pneumotaxic centre), also known as the pontine respiratory group (PRG), is a network of neurons in the rostral dorsal lateral pons. It consists of the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus and the medial parabrachial nucleus.^[1]

Respiratory effects

The PRG antagonizes the apneustic center, cyclically inhibiting inspiration. The PRG limits the burst of action potentials in the phrenic nerve, effectively decreasing the tidal volume and regulating the respiratory rate. Absence of the PRG results in an increase in depth of respiration and a decrease in respiratory rate.

References

1. Levitzky, Michael G. (2002). Pulmonary Physiology, 6th edition. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 193–4. ISBN 007138765X. 
2. Costanzo, Linda S. (2006). Physiology, 3rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-4160-2320-3. 
3. Roger Shannon, David M. Baekey, Kendall F. Morris, Sarah C. Nuding, Lauren S. Segers and Bruce G. Lindsey (2004). "Pontine respiratory group neuron discharge is altered during fictive cough in the decerebrate cat". Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology 142 (1): 43–54. doi:10.1016/j.resp.2004.05.002. PMID 15351303. 

External links

• Description at vcu.edu