Dorsal respiratory group

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The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is a group of brainstem nuclei found in many types of fish and mammals.

It is involved in the generation of respiratory rhythm. It is a part of the Fasciculus solitarius which is responsible for apropriating responses to sensory information from chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors in humans.

When neurons in the DRG fire, impulses travel down the phrenic and intercostal nerves to stimulate the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.

The thoracic cavity expands and air rushes in, producing inspiration.

The DRG then becomes silent, allowing the inspiratory muscles to relax and the passive process of expiration to occur.

The rhythm of the DRG produces a respiratory rate of 12-16 breaths per minute in humans (insp.~2s, exp.~3s)

The normal inspiration rate and rhythm is called eupnoea (cf. dyspnoea)

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Ref. Steven Burr lecture notes, University of Nottingham