amnion. the innermost fetal membrane, which forms a sac filled with amniotic fluid that surrounds the embryo and later the fetus; as it enlarges it gradually obliterates the chorionic cavity and enfolds the umbilical cord. Called also bag of waters.
cluster breathing. cluster breathing. a breathing pattern in which a closely grouped series of respirations is followed by apnea. The activity is associated with a lesion in the lower pontine region of the brainstem. See also Biot's respiration, Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
Shallow breathing. Shallow breathing, or chest breathing is the drawing of minimal breath into the lungs, usually by drawing air into the chest area using the intercostal muscles rather than throughout the lungs via the diaphragm. Shallow breathing can result in or be symptomatic of rapid breathing and hypoventilation. Most people who breathe shallowly do it throughout the day and are almost always unaware of the condition. Animation of clavicular breathing. In upper lobar breathing, clavicular breathing, or clavi