Pre-Bötzinger complex

The preBötzinger complex, often abbreviated as preBötC, is a functionally and anatomically specialized site in the ventral-lateral region of the lower medulla oblongata (i.e., lower brainstem). The preBötC is part of the ventral respiratory group of respiratory related interneurons. Its foremost function is to generate the inspiratory breathing rhythm in mammals. In addition, the preBötC is widely and paucisynaptically connected to higher brain centers that regulate arousal and excitability more generally such that respiratory brain function is intimately connected with many other rhythmic and cognitive functions of the brain and central nervous system. Further, the preBötC receives mechanical sensory information from the airways that encode lung volume as well as pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide content of circulating blood and the cerebrospinal fluid.

The preBötC is approximately colocated with the hypoglossal (XII) cranial motor nucleus as well as the ‘loop’ portion of the inferior olive in the anterior-posterior axis. The caudal border of the preBötC is slightly caudal to the obex, where the brainstem merges with the cervical spinal cord.