Control of Respiration: Respiratory Center

the inspiratory area responds to

afferent signals from chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors present in the body and sends impulses via the intercostal and phrenic nerves to the muscles of respiration.

apneustic area function

also regulates the transition between inspiration and exhalation.

However, when active, the pneumotaxic area overrides the action of the

apneustic area and prevents over-inflation of the lungs.

where is the respiratory center located

brainstem

An increase in the firing rate of the pneumotaxic area will increase the

breathing rate, so the pneumotaxic area can be said to indirectly influence breathing rhythm.

expiratory area is particularly sensitive to the body's

changing needs for oxygen and responds by altering breathing pattern, sending impulses to the muscles of expiration.

The respiratory center controls respiration by influencing the

contraction and relaxation of the muscles of respiration

inspiratory area is also known as the

dorsal respiratory group or DRG

the pneumotaxis transmits

inhibitory nerve impulses to the inspiratory area of the medullary rhythmicity area, switching it off before the lungs become too full of air.

medullary rhythmicity can be further divided into

inspiratory and expiratory areas

the pneumotaxic area and apneustic area are constantly

interacting with one another to regulate the duration between inspiration and exhalation.

Medullary rhythmicity area is located

medullary rhythmicity area is located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem.

When active, pneumotaxic does what

overrides signals sent from the apneustic area.

The apneustic area is located in the

pons

pneumotaxic area is located in the

pons of the brainstem

pneumotaxis function

regulates the transition between inspiration and expiration.

Our respiratory rate, or the number of breaths we take per minute, and the depth at which we respire with each breath is controlled by the

respiratory center, located in the brainstem. it ensures that our respiratory effort matches the metabolic demands of our body.

expiratory area

responds to stimulation beyond that of normal breathing; during normal quiet breathing this area is usually dormant

medullary rhythmicity area function

sends inhibitory and stimulatory impulses to the muscles of respiration to regulate breathing rhythm.

Inspiratory area (DRG)

stimulates spontaneous ventilation and is responsible for the resting breathing rate.

apneustic area constantly transmits

stimulatory nerve impulses to the inspiratory area of the medullary rhythmicity area, which if left alone, would cause prolonged, deep inhalations. it STIMULATES the medullary, pneumotaxis INHIBITS medullary

Two parts of the brainstem are primarily responsible for this respiratory center control:

the medulla oblongata and the pons

medulla oblongata and pons can be further subdivided into three important control areas:,

the medullary rhythmicity area (medulla oblongata), and the pneumotaxic and apneustic areas (pons)

the expiratory area is also known as the

ventral respiratory group or VRG.