The descending respiratory pathway in man

Abstract

Antero-lateral cordotomy for pain related to cancer was performed in the cervical cord segments of 8 main cases and 5 confirmatory cases. Postmortem histological examination of the affected region in the cervical cords was carried out in the 8 main cases. A lesion of the most anterior part of the lateral column of the first 3 cervical segments of the cord causes paralysis or a great reduction in ipsilateral respiratory movements. Recovery occurs within a few weeks. It is concluded that the descending respiratory tract is located in this region possibly forming part of the reticulo-spinal tract or the olivo-spinal tract.