Explain the Pontine Centre

The rhythmic discharge of the neurons in the respiratory centre is modified by centers in the pons (apneustic and pneumotaxic centre). Activity in these centers determines the depth of inspiration. If the vagus nerves and the inferior portion of the pons (connection between these two pontine centers) are destroyed, the inspiratory neurons discharge continuously and there is a sustained contraction of the inspiratory muscles. This arrest of respiration in inspiration is called apneusis.

The area in the pons responsible for apneusis is called the apneustic centre. The area in the pons that prevents apneusis is called pneumotaxic centre. This area is situated in the upper pons as you would have noticed in the Figure. It controls the exaggerated activity of the apneustic centre and produces a rhythmical respiratory activity. The exact function of the pontine respiratory centre is not clear. But they determine the depth and make the rhythmic discharge of the medullary neurons smooth and regular. There are certain other factors which are involved in the nervous regulation of respiration. Let us have a look at each of these.