ABSTRACT
We provide an overview of the neuroanatomy of the respiratory control system including the circuitry that generates and transmits breathing rhythm; the efferent interneurons that carry information to the motor pools and the musculature of the chest wall, diaphragm, and upper airways; as well as the afferent pathways that provide mechano- and chemosensory feedback to modify respiration and maintain appropriate physiological blood gases. We also describe the genes and transcription factors that organize the respiratory neural control system during development. We briefly summarize clinical conditions caused by genetic or developmental factors as they pertain to respiratory anatomy and physiology. Our overarching goal is to provide the clinician with a state-of-the-art understanding of respiratory neuroanatomy.
