The Neuromuscular Respiratory System: Physiology,Pathophysiology,and a Respiratory Care Approach to Patients

The neurorespiratory system includes the central nervous system control centers and feedback mechanisms, spinal cord, motor nerves, and the respiratory muscles that affect chest-wall and lung movement, causing air to enter the lungs and carbon dioxide to be excreted into the environment. Without this “vital pump” the body is unable to function, which explains why a major cause of morbidity and mortality in those with neuromuscular disease is respiratory failure. This paper reviews the anatomy and physiologic function of the neurorespiratory system, details some of the more important diseases seen in clinical practice, and proposes a practical “respiratory approach” to individuals with neuromuscular disease.