Cough Center (Medulla Oblongata)

The cough center is a functional region within the medulla oblongata of the brainstem responsible for coordinating and generating the cough reflex. It integrates sensory input from peripheral cough receptors and orchestrates motor output to produce coughing. It is not a discrete anatomical nucleus but overlaps with other respiratory rhythm-generating networks. Dysfunction or hyperactivity of this center can result in chronic or pathological coughing. Many antitussive drugs act centrally by suppressing activity within this region—most notably opioids like codeine inhibit neurons within this network to reduce cough frequency/intensity.

Other names

Medullary Cough CenterCough Reflex CenterBrainstem Cough Center

Suppression of neuronal activity within the cough center network to reduce cough frequency/intensity.