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.