Which is NOT a component of the primary respiratory mechanism?

Which is NOT a component of the primary respiratory mechanism?

• A. Blood flow in cerebral arteries
• B. Inherent motility of the central nervous system
• C. Mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal membranes
• D. Fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid

Answer: (A)

The primary respiratory mechanism is defined by the intrinsic motion of the brain and spinal cord, the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, and the mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal membranes, which together allow subtle movement of the cranial bones. Blood flow in the cerebral arteries is not a component of this mechanism. Arterial pulsations occur independently of the cranial rhythmic mechanism and do not constitute its four recognized elements. The other three items—inherent motility of the CNS, mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal membranes, and fluctuation of CSF—together describe the core dynamics that osteopathic clinicians assess in cranial therapy.

The primary respiratory mechanism is defined by the intrinsic motion of the brain and spinal cord, the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, and the mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal membranes, which together allow subtle movement of the cranial bones. Blood flow in the cerebral arteries is not a component of this mechanism. Arterial pulsations occur independently of the cranial rhythmic mechanism and do not constitute its four recognized elements. The other three items—inherent motility of the CNS, mobility of the intracranial and intraspinal membranes, and fluctuation of CSF—together describe the core dynamics that osteopathic clinicians assess in cranial therapy.