Handbook of Physiology

This volume reflects today's unprecedented awareness of the interrelationship among different physiological regulatory systems and encompasses the diverse topics that must be considered in any study of respiratory control. Part 1 explores central nervous system control of breathing and the intimate relationships to afferent inputs and motor pathways. Major chapters review the constant interaction between voluntary and involuntary actions that shapes the characteristics of the breathing cycle; examine levels of control within the CNS; and detail the dynamic and adaptive aspects of central respiratory control. Part 2 reviews the interplay between respiratory regulation and regulatory mechanisms in other physiological systems. A separate section reviews the comparative physiology of respiratory control, thus demonstrating further adaptive characteristics and tight linkage to other regulatory mechanisms.