respiratory rhythm

A regular, oscillating cycle of inspiration and expiration, controlled by neuronal impulses transmitted between the muscles of inspiration in the chest and the respiratory centers in the brain. The respiratory rate is influenced by metabolic rate, emotional state, neurologic disorders, and obstructive disease.

The rhythm of alternating inspiratory and expiratory movements that take place during breathing. Four respiratory centres are thought to control the respiratory rhythm; the inspiratory centre and expiratory centre in the medulla, and an apneustic centre and pneumotaxic centre in the pons.