Integration of the respiratory and circulatory systems

This chapter studies the integration of the respiratory and circulatory systems in animals. The activity of the respiratory pumps is produced within the central nervous system by a network of oscillating neurons: a central rhythm (pattern) generator. Meanwhile, the rhythmic activity of the circulatory pumps (hearts) is produced in most groups of animals by myogenic pacemakers. The control of the pumps and the diameters of peripheral blood vessels in many circulatory systems rely on sensory information from chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors. The chapter then looks at the generation of respiratory rhythm and control of the respiratory system, before considering the generation of the cardiac rhythm and control of the cardiovascular system. It also examines the location of terminations of the respiratory and cardiovascular sense organs in the central nervous system.