 Dear students, in this topic we shall discuss the neural control of breathing. The breathing movements in all vertebrates are integrated by a central processor located in the central nervous system. This central processor consists of a pattern generator which determines the depth and amplitude of each breath. It includes a rhythm generator which controls the breathing frequency. The medullary respiratory center located in the ventral medulla has a central rhythm generator that maintains breathing rhythm in mammals. The central rhythm generator also drives the pattern generator which is found in medullary respiratory center and causes breathing movements. The rhythmic activity of breathing is also enhanced by and affected by various neurons of pons and medulla. Dear students, now we shall discuss the neural control of mammalian lung. You know that mammalian lung is ventilated by the action of diaphragm and rib muscles. These muscles are activated by spinal motor neurons and phrenic nerve. Both these receive inputs from medullary respiratory centers. The control of respiratory muscles is very precise. This control allows very fine control of airflow as required for complex actions. For example, airflow may variation at the time during our talk, during our speech, during singing, whistling, talking, etc., this is very fine control of airflow over the larynx and the control of the air flow is what we have told you. Dear students, the medullary respiratory center contains inspiratory neurons and expiratory neurons. The inspiratory neurons activity coincides with the inhalation. The expiratory neurons activity coincide with the expiratory neurons activity. But the respiratory rhythm which is maintained in a normal human or mammal is primarily because of the expiratory neurons. Expiratory neurons activity does not depend on expiratory neurons activity. Expiratory neurons normally do not act but they become active when, due to certain reasons, inspiratory neurons become inactive. When expiratory neurons are active, then they also work on the triggering pattern, the burst pattern of the inspiratory neuron. Dear students, now we shall briefly discuss the roles of central processor. It receives the pH input and adjusts ventilation rate to maintain the blood pH. It also integrates breathing movements with feeding, talking, singing, and body movements. The central processor also causes the coughing and sneezing reflexes. These reflexes are to protect the respiratory epithelium from environmental hazards. It optimizes breathing patterns to minimize energy expenditure.