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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 93/9/1011    most recent expphysiol.2008.042424v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Homma, I. Articles by Masaoka, Y. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Homma, I. Articles by Masaoka, Y. Related Collections Respiratory Review Articles

¹ Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Respiration is primarily regulated for metabolic and homeostatic purposes in the brainstem. However, breathing can also change in response to changes in emotions, such as sadness, happiness, anxiety or fear. Final respiratory output is influenced by a complex interaction between the brainstem and higher centres, including the limbic system and cortical structures. Respiration is important in maintaining physiological homeostasis and co-exists with emotions. In this review, we focus on the relationship between respiration and emotions by discussing previous animal and human studies, including studies of olfactory function in relation to respiration and the piriform–amygdala in relation to respiration. In particular, we discuss oscillations of piriform–amygdala complex activity and respiratory rhythm.

(Received 22 February 2008; accepted after revision 16 May 2008; first published online 16 May 2008)
Corresponding author I. Homma: Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Hatanodai 1-5-8, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.  Email: ihomma{at}med.showa-u.ac.jp