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Distribution of electrical activation to the external intercostal muscles during high frequency spinal cord stimulation in dogs
Author(s) -
DiMarco Anthony F.,
Kowalski Krzysztof E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.199679
Subject(s) - spinal cord , stimulation , breathing , intercostal muscle , anatomy , stimulus (psychology) , dorsum , rib cage , electrophysiology , motor unit , anesthesia , medicine , chemistry , respiratory system , psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist
Non‐technical summary Normal breathing is controlled by specialized neurons in the central nervous system including the brainstem and spinal cord. Signals generated in the brainstem and transmitted to the major inspiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, are necessary to sustain life. However, we show that the specific pattern of intercostal muscle activation during breathing does not require input from the brainstem. In other words, the neural circuitry controlling this pattern of activation exists within the spinal cord. This knowledge furthers our understanding of the mechanisms that control breathing and has implications for patients with certain disease states such as cervical spinal cord injury.