Control of Breathing
8 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the average number of breaths per minute for a healthy adult?

  • 20 - 25
  • 12 - 20 (correct)
  • 8 - 12
  • 25 - 30

The medulla oblongata is responsible for voluntary control of breathing.

False (B)

What is the primary mechanism that determines breathing rate?

Level of CO2 in the blood

Breathing rate increases due to a high level of __________ in poorly ventilated rooms.

<p>CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors with their effect on breathing rate:

<p>Strenuous activity = Increases B.R. Poor ventilation = Increases B.R. High altitude = Increases B.R. Colds and emphysema = Decreases efficiency of B.R.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is a secondary mechanism for determining breathing rate?

<p>Level of O2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The breathing rate can be decreased by high altitude.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do stretch receptors in intercostal muscles play in breathing?

<p>They send signals back to the brain that inhalation has taken place.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Breathing Rate

The rate at which you inhale and exhale, measured as the number of breaths per minute.

Control Center

The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, controls your breathing rate.

Voluntary Breathing

Our brains can voluntarily override the automatic breathing controlled by the medulla oblongata.

Inhaling Process

The brain stem sends nerve impulses to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, causing them to contract and expand your lungs, leading to inhalation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Exhaling Process

Stretch receptors in the intercostals signal the brain that inhalation is complete, leading to relaxation of the muscles and exhalation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

CO2 as a Signal

High levels of CO2 in the blood triggers a decrease in pH and signals the brain to increase breathing rate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

O2 as a Signal

When O2 levels fall very low (below normal), it can trigger a slight increase in breathing rate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Breathing Rate Factors

Factors like strenuous activity, poor ventilation, illness, and high altitude can affect breathing rate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Control of Breathing

  • Breathing is involuntary, controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brainstem.
  • Breathing rate (how quickly/slowly you inhale/exhale) averages 12-20 breaths per minute for a healthy adult.
  • Breathing rate must adjust to respond to changing oxygen demands.

Role of the Brain

  • The brain stem sends nerve impulses via the spinal column to the muscles of the diaphragm and rib cage.
  • This causes the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles to contract during inhalation.
  • Stretch receptors in the intercostal muscles send signals back to the brain, indicating inhalation has occurred.
  • The brain stops signaling inhalation, signalling relaxation and causing exhalation.

Factors Affecting Breathing Rate

  • Strenuous activity: Increases breathing rate due to the body's need for more oxygen.
  • Poor ventilation: Leads to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, increasing breathing rate.
  • Sickness (like colds and emphysema): Reduced respiratory efficiency leads to an increase in breathing rate.
  • High altitude: Lower oxygen levels and reduced air pressure cause an increase in breathing rate.

What Determines Breathing Rate

  • Level of CO2 in the blood:
    • Primary mechanism
    • Chemical receptors in the brain, carotid artery, and aorta are sensitive to CO2 and pH.
    • A decrease in pH (caused by increased CO2) triggers an increase in breathing rate and volume.
  • Level of O2 in the blood:
    • Secondary mechanism
    • Receptors in arteries monitor blood O2 levels as they leave the heart.
    • Will only trigger an increase in breathing rate when oxygen levels fall significantly below normal. CO2 levels are important first.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Description

Explore the mechanisms behind the control of breathing, including the roles of the brain and factors that influence the breathing rate. Understand how the medulla oblongata regulates involuntary breathing and how various conditions can affect respiratory functions.

More Like This

Control of Breathing in Brain Stem
10 questions
Neurología respiratoria
18 questions

Neurología respiratoria

ThinnerArtInformel avatar
ThinnerArtInformel
Breathing Rate and Brain Control
8 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser