13.2
Physiological Control of Respiration
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary…
The physiological control of respiration originates from neurons in the medulla and pons.
The medulla signals the muscles involved in breathing, and the pons control the breathing rate.
Together, these respiratory centers regulate the involuntary control of respiration, whereas the cerebral cortex allows voluntary control of breathing.
The most vital respiratory stimulant is carbon dioxide. It causes an increase in respiratory depth and rate.
Chemoreceptors monitor arterial blood for changes in the pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen and communicate to the medulla to send nerve impulses to respiratory muscles.
From the spinal cord, the phrenic, vagus, and posterior thoracic nerves signal the ascending respiratory pathway to stimulate the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
The function of these muscles involves facilitating ventilation by inducing volume and pressure alterations within the respiratory system.
As a result, this conscious effort of ventilation aids in eliminating excess carbon dioxide while simultaneously boosting oxygen levels within the body.
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Q1: What brain structures control respiration?
The medulla and pons, located in the brainstem, are the primary respiratory centers. The medulla signals the muscles involved in breathing, while the pons controls breathing rate. Together, these centers regulate involuntary respiration, whereas the cerebral cortex allows voluntary control of breathing.
Q2: How do chemoreceptors influence breathing?
Chemoreceptors monitor arterial blood for changes in pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels. When they detect increased carbon dioxide or decreased oxygen, they communicate with the medulla to send nerve impulses to respiratory muscles, increasing respiratory depth and rate to restore blood gas balance.
Q3: What role does carbon dioxide play in respiratory control?
Carbon dioxide is the most vital respiratory stimulant in the body. An increase in CO2 triggers the respiratory control system to elevate the rate and depth of breathing, facilitating removal of excess carbon dioxide through increased exhalation and maintaining proper acid-base balance in arterial blood.
Q4: Which nerves transmit signals to respiratory muscles?
The phrenic, vagus, and posterior thoracic nerves signal the ascending respiratory pathway from the spinal cord to stimulate the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. These nerves facilitate ventilation by inducing volume and pressure alterations within the respiratory system during breathing cycles.
Q5: How does hypoxemia affect ventilation in chronic lung disease?
In chronic lung disease, chemoreceptors in the carotid artery and aorta become sensitive to hypoxemia, or low arterial oxygen levels. When oxygen falls below a certain threshold, these specialized cells signal the brain to increase ventilation rate and depth, compensating for impaired gas exchange.
Q6: When is supplemental oxygen therapy indicated for respiratory patients?
Supplemental low-dose oxygen therapy is required when arterial oxygen levels fall below 88 percent. Continuous long-term oxygen administration improves survival in patients with COPD, reduces pulmonary hypertension risk, and enhances overall well-being by maintaining adequate oxygen saturation and preventing complications.
Q7: How do the diaphragm and intercostal muscles enable breathing?
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles facilitate ventilation by inducing volume and pressure alterations within the respiratory system. This mechanical action aids in eliminating excess carbon dioxide while simultaneously boosting oxygen levels within the body during both inspiration and expiration phases.