Gosset Cough center of the medulla Overview
The **cough center of the medulla** is a functionally defined region in the medulla oblongata within the brainstem that serves as the central integration and coordination site for the cough reflex. It receives afferent sensory input from airway and other peripheral cough receptors (e.g., via the vagus nerve), integrates these signals, and sends efferent motor outputs through nerves (vagus, phrenic, spinal motor) to respiratory muscles responsible for generating the cough. The exact anatomical boundaries are not discrete; it overlaps with other respiratory control nuclei and networks such as the solitary nucleus, pre-Bötzinger complex, and caudal medullary raphe. Many centrally acting antitussive drugs exert their effect by inhibiting neural activity at or near this center. It is not a single molecular target, but a network/function comprising part of the brainstem's respiratory reflex control system.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibition of neural activity at the medullary cough center to suppress cough reflex (mechanism of central-acting antitussives such as opioids, dextromethorphan). Modulation of sensory input or efferent output within the cough reflex arc.
Biological Functions
Disease Associations
Safety Considerations
- Depression of vital brainstem functions (respiratory depression with centrally acting drugs)
- Non-selective CNS effects of antitussive drugs (e.g., sedation, risk of overdose with opioids)
- Suppression of protective reflexes, increasing risk of aspiration/pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations
Interacting Drugs
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| None established |