Anatomy: Extends most of the length of the medulla;
Most of its neurons are located within the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS); the NTS is the sensory termination of vagal and the glossopharyngeal nerves;
NTS transmit sensory signals into the respiratory center from:
peripheral chemoreceptors;
peripheral baroreceptors;
several types of receptors in the lungs.
Functions:
Control of inspiration;
Control of respiratory rhythm - The basic rhythm of respiration is mainly, autonomously, generated here; in form of repetitive bursts of inspiratory neuronal action potentials.