Respiratory Control: Beyond the Diaphragm

Featured Topic — Monday, April 24, 2024 — 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM — , Room W196A
Respiration Section — Chair: David D Fuller — Co-Chair: Sara m turner

The diaphragm muscle is the primary inspiratory pump muscle, and the phrenic-diaphragm neuromuscular system is the subject of considerable research. There are typically multiple presentations on this topic each year at the annual FASEB meeting. However, the accessory respiratory muscles including the intercostal, abdominals, and others, are very important for breathing both in health and disease. In many neuromuscular disorders, for example, compensation from the accessory respiratory muscles is essential for maintaining ventilation in the face of progressive pathology. The purpose of this featured topic is to provide an update on current thinking regarding the neural regulation and functional significance of the accessory respiratory muscles. Particular emphasis will be placed on data from humans. For our featured speaker, we have selected Dr. Simon Gandevia from the University of New South Wales in Australia. Dr. Gandevia is a world leader in the area of respiratory muscle control in humans, and is also an excellent speaker. He has published extensively using EMG, transcranial stimulation, and many other approaches to describe motor unit recruitment and the overall pattern of respiratory muscle activation in humans. To our knowledge, Dr. Gandevia has not previously attended the annual FASEB meeting; certainly not within the previous 15 years. Thus, his participation will enable a new generation of researchers to hear his perspective on the role of non-diaphragmatic muscles in the regulation of breathing in humans. The remainder of speakers for the proposed session will be selected based on the pool of submitted abstracts. The session will be Chaired by Drs. David Fuller and Sara Turner of the University of Florida. Dr. Fuller is a senior investigator and Dr. Turner is a junior stage investigator.

Speakers

• Respiratory muscle control in humans.
  Simon Gandevia — Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales