The ventral respiratory group sends impulses through an integrating center in the spinal cord, and then to the intercostal nerves, which stimulate contraction of the diaphragm.

Intercostal Nerves

The nerves that run between the ribs and are responsible for conveying information to and from the thoracic area of the chest.

Ventral Respiratory Group

A cluster of neurons in the brainstem that play a crucial role in controlling voluntary and involuntary breathing.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped, muscular partition separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity, playing a major role in breathing by contracting and expanding the lungs.