Anatomy: located dorsally in the nucleus parabrachialis of the upper pons;
Function:
transmits signals to the inspiratory area = the “switch off ” point of the inspiratory ramp; with secondary effect - shortens expiration → ↑ the rate of breathing; thus controlling the duration of the filling phase of the lung cycle (duration of inspiration, expiration and respiratory rate).
Strong pneumotaxic signal - short inspiration (>0.5 sec) → short expiration → ↑ RR (30-40 per min);
Weak pneumotaxic signal - long inspiration → long expiration → ↓ RR (3-5 per min).